The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has claimed a sharp 95 percent reduction in plastic waste generation since 2019, marking a significant milestone in corporate environmental responsibility. This development arises from its “Race to Zero Waste” program and from its recent partnership with Plastic Flamingo Philippines, Inc. (PLAF), a social enterprise focused on combating marine plastic pollution.
Under the agreement, Meralco will channel its collected plastic waste to PLAF, where it will be upcycled into sustainable construction materials and furniture. The initiative supports Meralco’s broader sustainability agenda, “Powering the Good Life,” which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and embeds environmental practices across its operations.
“This partnership with PLAF transforms our waste into resources, helping build a circular economy and shrink our environmental footprint,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco executive vice president and COO.
Since implementing a ban on single-use plastics in 2019, Meralco has increased its waste diversion rate from just 17 percent to 95 percent, according to first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo.
PLAF’s partnerships and operations manager, Krisha G. Rubia, hailed the collaboration as a model for corporate environmental leadership. “This partnership sets an example of how companies can drive circular economy solutions and lead in the fight against plastic pollution,” she said.
The Meralco-PLAF partnership highlights the growing role of corporate policy in addressing environmental challenges and underscores how sustainability-driven operations can produce measurable, long-term impact.
