Meralco turns plastic into purpose

Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has formally turned over its first batch of plastic waste to social enterprise The Plastic Flamingo Philippines (PLAF) as part of its Race to Zero Waste Program.

The turnover took place during a site visit and plant tour at PLAF’s facility in Muntinlupa City, with representatives from Meralco’s Facilities, Safety & Security Management, Networks Distribution Services, Corporate Sustainability Office and One Meralco Foundation taking part in the activity.

Meralco said the initiative is part of its broader sustainability efforts aimed at reducing operational waste and supporting solutions that convert plastic waste into usable resources, contributing to environmental protection and long-term sustainable development.

In May, Meralco signed a memorandum of agreement with PLAF to strengthen its waste management initiatives under the Race to Zero Waste Program, which seeks to divert solid waste away from landfills.

For its initial donation, Meralco diverted more than 500 kilograms of plastic waste from its North, Central, and South Business Areas, as well as from its Ortigas Center headquarters.

The company said the effort complements its organization-wide ban on single-use plastics, which has reduced single-use plastic waste by 57 percent, from 45 metric tons in 2021 to 19 metric tons in 2024.

“Race to Zero Waste has been one of our flagship sustainability programs since 2020 and has boosted our waste diversion rate more than fivefold — from a baseline of 17 percent to 95 percent today. This partnership with PLAF builds on that achievement, further translating our sustainability efforts into real, measurable, and meaningful impact for both people and the planet,” said Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo.

PLAF, a French-founded social enterprise operating in the Philippines since 2018, focuses on transforming ocean-bound plastic into 100 percent recycled products such as ecoboards, shelters, furniture and school chairs. The organization has deployed more than 300 collection points across Metro Manila to prevent plastic waste from reaching the ocean while supporting community-based solutions.

Meralco vice president and head of Facilities and Safety Management Jerry B. Lao said sustainability efforts must go beyond disposal.

“Proper waste management is only the beginning. Real sustainability is finding ways to convert waste into something that benefits both the environment and the communities around us,” Lao said.

Meralco said the partnership aligns with its sustainability agenda, Powering the Good Life, which is anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and built around four pillars: Power, Planet, People and Prosperity.