With global plastic production projected to reach 1.1 billion tonnes by 2050, the environmental and health consequences have never been more urgent. In response, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development in time for International Plastic-Free Day on 25 May, while spotlighting its ongoing compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest property developers, SM Prime continues to drive environmental initiatives across its portfolio. Its parent company, SM Group, in partnership with the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is spearheading a comprehensive strategy to align with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) guidelines under the EPR Law, or Republic Act 11898.

The group’s EPR working committee is charting a five-year roadmap aimed at reducing plastic usage and recovering post-consumer plastic waste. It also promotes alternative technologies and partnerships with both government and private sectors to boost compliance and long-term impact.

As part of this push, SM Prime has equipped its developments with Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and enforced standardized waste segregation protocols. A key innovation is its partnership with SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc., which converts non-recyclable plastics into “fluff fuel” used by cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement.

Beyond compliance: Active recovery and community programs

SM Prime’s commitment extends to longstanding community programs. Since 2007, its Trash to Cash initiative has operated as a monthly recycling market at SM malls nationwide, offering incentives for the exchange of recyclables. Meanwhile, 15 SM Plastic Waste Collection points and reverse vending machines at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia continue to divert high-value plastics like PET bottles and aluminum cans.

In 2024, the group also mobilized over 23,000 volunteers through SM Cares for the International Coastal Cleanup, reaffirming its role in citizen-led environmental action.

The sustainability mission also extends to hospitality. All SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) properties have eliminated single-use plastics. Pico Sands Hotel, for instance, was one of the first local signatories to WWF-Philippines’ Ayoko Na Sa Plastic campaign in 2018. Meanwhile, SMX Convention Centers have adopted biodegradable alternatives to plastic cutlery since 2019.

From greener hotel amenities to enhanced logistics for plastic recovery, SM Prime underscores the importance of collaboration in fighting plastic pollution.

“Our work is never done. There are new technologies, innovative solutions, and more avenues for collaboration to look forward to in making the EPR Act work for our communities,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “But we all have a role to play — it is every individual’s responsibility to create a waste-free future.”