Dr. Anthony Halog, senior academic in sustainable systems and circularity engineering at the University of Queensland, emphasized that the core message of a circular economy—particularly in the textile sector—is to shift from a volume-driven to a value-preserving textile system.

“The challenge for the next generation of scientists and engineers is how to redesign and upscale technologies so that, besides producing the main products, we can also convert waste and emissions into value-adding resources,” Halog said during the 2025 Philippine Textile Congress.

Citing data from the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), Halog noted that the country generates about 267,711 tons of textile waste annually, equivalent to 1.6 percent of total municipal solid waste. He urged industry stakeholders to prevent, reduce, or repurpose textile waste rather than allow it to pile up in landfills.

According to Halog, major drivers of textile waste in the Philippines include fast fashion imports, the ukay-ukay or secondhand trade, unregulated textile offcuts that are often landfilled or burned, and consumer preference for novelty over durability, which encourages overconsumption.

He also encouraged greater use of indigenous natural fibers such as abaca and piña, aligning with the principles of a circular bioeconomy that transforms biomass into high-value products—a research area he continues to advance in Australia.

Halog further highlighted the importance of innovative tools and digital technologies to make the local textile industry more resource-efficient, competitive, and export-ready. He said Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) helps measure environmental impacts across the fiber-to-garment chain, such as carbon, water, and energy footprints, while Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a key requirement for exporters to the European Union. He also cited the use of Materials Flow Analysis, which tracks textile waste streams to identify recycling and upcycling opportunities.

Halog said other tools for transformation include digitalization using artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, which can enhance efficiency and sustainability in textile production, as well as eco-design and labeling practices that help build consumer trust and strengthen access to global markets.

“There are a lot of opportunities for you to upgrade your skills and competencies so that you are ready for these circular economy opportunities—not only here in the Philippines, but globally,” Halog said.

The company also reported that 94% of its operations now run on renewable energy, keeping it on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s still more to be done,” said Terrynz Tan, Sustainability Director, Tetra Pak ASEAN. “Real change requires collaboration — with partners, LGUs, schools, and communities — to build a stronger circular economy.”

Driving Sustainability in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Tetra Pak’s Cartons for Communities program has collected over 700 tonnes of used beverage cartons in 2024, marking an 80% year-on-year increase. Working with partners like Rural Industrial Corporation and Axelum Resources Corporation, the initiative transforms used cartons into roofing sheets, furniture, and school materials.

The company has also expanded its collaboration with local government units (LGUs) nationwide to improve collection and recycling systems — key steps toward a more circular economy.

“Beyond providing shelf-stable nutrition to remote areas, we’re helping strengthen on-the-ground recycling systems,” said Catherine Chua, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak Philippines.

Global Impact and Innovation

Globally, Tetra Pak supported food manufacturers in cutting energy use by up to 40%, provided 66 million children in 49 countries with milk or nutritious drinks, and helped 84,000 smallholder dairy farmers secure better incomes.

The company invested €100 million in R&D to develop more sustainable packaging, including recycled polymer caps and paper-based barrier cartons, while launching its Approach to Nature framework to protect ecosystems and enhance water security.

Tetra Pak continues to combine environmental responsibility with food security, ensuring safe, nutritious food reaches communities everywhere — sustainably and responsibly.

As cities like Pasig strive to manage post-consumer waste, including food and beverage packaging, the private sector is stepping up. Tetra Pak, a Swedish packaging solutions company, is among the frontrunners.

Through its Cartons for Communities program, Tetra Pak partners with schools, private communities, and local government units (LGUs) to promote the segregation and recycling of used beverage cartons (UBCs). These UBCs are upcycled into durable boards that can be turned into chairs, tables, and other everyday essentials.

Five schools — Pinagbuhatan Elementary School, Pasig Elementary School, Eusebio High School, Pasig Science High School, and Rizal High School — will pilot the initiative. Each school will receive collection bins made from recycled cartons, where students can deposit rinsed and flattened UBCs for recycling.

An interschool competition will also be held, rewarding the schools that collect the most cartons. Students will earn incentives for their participation, reinforcing the idea that sustainability starts with small, consistent actions.

At the launch event, students and teachers explored the science behind Tetra Pak’s signature cartons — made of 70% paperboard, 25% plastic, and 5% aluminum — and learned how each component can be recycled.

The city government’s Solid Waste Management Office also rolled out the local adaptation of the Danish waste classification system, following a recent Pasig delegation’s study visit to Denmark and Sweden. The system, which will be piloted in Pasig schools, aims to reward proper segregation of recyclable waste such as plastic and glass bottles, aluminum cans, and paper.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto underscored the importance of proper waste disposal in preventing flooding. He reminded students that “keeping trash off the streets helps prevent clogged drainage systems and reduces flooding in our neighborhoods,” adding that while the local government has a key role, citizens — starting with students — are equally vital in maintaining a clean city.

Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry shared how Sweden instills recycling habits early in life: “In Sweden, kids learn about waste segregation and recycling at an early age at home. This continues in preschool and grade school, where they are taught about the deposit return system for cans and bottles or panta in Swedish. This project with Tetra Pak is similar to this, and a great start to learn about the circular economy model.”

Tetra Pak Philippines Packaging Portfolio Director and Site Manager Albert del Fonso emphasized the program’s long-term goal:

“At Tetra Pak, we believe that empowering the next generation is key to building a more sustainable future. Through the Cartons for Communities program, we are proud to work alongside the Nordic Embassies and Pasig City to help students become champions of the circular economy. By learning how to recycle and upcycle used beverage cartons, these young leaders are not only protecting the environment—they’re shaping a culture of sustainability in their schools and communities.”

Also supporting the event was Flying Tiger Copenhagen, a Danish retail company that has embraced sustainability and circularity in its design, production, and packaging processes, with several stores now established across the Philippines.

The Pasig project forms part of the Nordic Initiative on Circular Economy, supported by the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish Embassies in Manila — regions globally recognized for innovation in sustainable practices.

In 2024, the Nordic embassies and the Pasig City government signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the city’s transition to a circular economy. Earlier this year, Pasig representatives visited Denmark and Sweden to study best practices on waste management and recycling — lessons now taking root in local schools.

If you are part of the growing community of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc.’s “Be Kind. Recycle.” Program, you can do this by dropping off your old mobile phones, laptops, chargers, batteries, and more at designated bins in your schools.

To date, e-waste collections have been activated in the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Systems Plus College Foundation in Pampanga, University of Rizal System in Morong and Tanay, Arellano University’s seven campuses (Main, Jose Abad, Mabini, Plaridel, Pasig, Elisa Esguerra, and Jose Rizal), and Pasig Catholic College.

More are set to be deployed in 11 campuses of the National University across Central and South Luzon, Metro Manila, and Bacolod, plus the Department of Science and Technology in Region IV-A (Calabarzon) among other sites in the remainder of 2024 until next year.  

E-waste, which includes discarded gadgets, batteries, and devices, is the fastest-growing waste stream globally. Sadly, only 20 percent of this waste is properly recycled, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.

“We believe in the ability of our Filipino youth to effect positive change in their communities, and we share in their passion to protect the planet for the future generations,” said Jacqueline N. Bocalan, VP and Head of Channel Management at Smart.

Under the “Be Kind. Recycle.” Program, schools and universities across the Philippines are joining forces to provide students with a convenient way to responsibly dispose of their e-waste. The goal is to raise awareness and promote action—encouraging everyone to participate in reducing waste and conserving valuable resources.

But it doesn’t stop there. The general public is also encouraged to bring their e-waste to designated PLDT and Smart stores or drop-off points in SM Malls across the country.

All collected e-waste are taken to accredited facilities where valuable components are recycled, and hazardous materials are safely disposed of, helping to produce new electronics while minimizing environmental impact.

By recycling your e-waste, you not only support the circular economy but also help the Philippines meet its commitments to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. This initiative aligns with global goals for responsible consumption and production, and you—our future leaders—are at the heart of this movement.

“We believe that the circular economy will contribute not only toward addressing the ongoing triple planetary crisis on climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, but will also unlock opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and value creation across sectors,” said PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios.

“In particular, we would like to work closely with the youth and academe as they can be our force multipliers in creating awareness and mobilizing for action to help preserve the planet for them and for future generations,” she added.

Together, we can reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and innovate for a greener future. Let’s take action now to preserve the planet for ourselves and future generations.