SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Thursday.
The agreement, aimed at advancing the development of sustainable plastic materials and enhancing plastic waste management strategies, was formalized during the Tactics for Better PlasTIK (Technology, Innovation, Knowledge) forum at SM Megamall.
The collaboration outlines a commitment to joint research and development initiatives, training programs, and conferences focused on sustainable plastics. Timothy Daniels, head of sustainability and investor relations at SMIC, emphasized the importance of responsible corporate practices in addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste in the Philippines. “We are keen to work with our many stakeholders to reduce plastics use in the country,” Daniels said.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., along with assistant secretary Rodolfo Calzado Jr. and Enrico C. Paringit, executive director of the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, represented the agency during the signing. Solidum expressed optimism about the partnership, saying, “We thank SM for this collaboration and are hopeful that it will lead to innovative solutions and opportunities for industry players and citizens alike.”
The MOU marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to tackle plastic waste, a significant concern in the Philippines. The SM group has already initiated several measures to reduce plastic usage across its retail and shopping mall operations. This includes a partnership with Japan’s GUUN Co. Ltd. to develop infrastructure for systematic waste management and resource recovery, focusing on converting non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.
Paringit added, “DOST remains committed to bringing technologies from the development stage to real-world application, and we aim to integrate our green technologies into the daily lives of Filipinos.”
As the partnership unfolds, both organizations hope to foster knowledge sharing and create sustainable partnerships across various sectors, ultimately contributing to a greener future for the Philippines. The collaboration is expected to pave the way for practical solutions that will significantly impact waste management and sustainable practices within the nation.
