In celebration of Zero Waste Month, Holcim and Geocycle in partnership with Circular Explorer recently held a forum that brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, environmental scientists, and NGOs to explore forward-thinking strategies and foster collaboration in advancing zero-waste practices.
The theme “Pioneering Circularity: Advancing Zero-Waste for a Sustainable Future” underscored a bold commitment to building a circular economy while addressing the growing environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and microplastics.
Key Educational Sessions
The event included two educational sessions. The first session highlighted the urgent issue of plastic waste and evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in the Philippines.
Esteemed representatives of government organizations and corporations spearheaded the discussions, offering insights into how the country can align its efforts toward more effective waste management.
“The success of the EPR law relies on active collaboration across sectors,” says Atty. Ivy Joyce de Pedro of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In addition, she emphasizes the critical role collaboration plays among the government, private sector, civil society and communities. National and local efforts must align to address the infrastructure and data gaps. Partnerships between corporations and the informal sector can enhance waste recovery efforts and participating in these initiatives can build towards a more inclusive and resilient waste management system.
Circular Explorer Project Manager Christine Bellen discussing Circular Explorer’s impact on local sustainability
The second session delved into the dangers of microplastics in marine ecosystems. “We only have one planet, but are living like we have two. The level of consumption, population growth and the need to develop is surpassing the ability of our environment to replenish our resources,” says Christine S. Bellen, Project Manager of Circular Explorer. To combat this, she emphasized the importance of a circular global economy to fulfill people’s needs while reducing the materials we extract from the earth. “The concept of circularity relies on resource management.”
Geocycle’s New Brand Identity Unveiled
The culmination of the event was the launch of Geocycle’s refreshed brand identity, reflecting its renewed vision and mission aligned with Holcim’s advocacy for sustainability. This strategic shift aligns with the evolving market demands and emphasizes the Group’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact- driving the innovation, deepening the dedication to circularity, and forging stronger partnerships to achieve a more sustainable future.
This announcement reinforces Geocycle’s position as a leader in sustainable waste management and demonstrates its commitment to creating a circular economy. Its focus on innovation and partnership will be crucial in achieving its ambitious sustainability goals and delivering value to both the business and communities.
About Geocycle
As a dedicated part of Holcim, Geocycle offers large-scale, scientifically proven and economic recovery and recycling solutions. Bringing global expertise, Geocycle sets industry leading standards, foster industrial symbiosis, and provide peace of mind to partners to achieve sustainability targets. Geocycle drives circularity and decarbonization for an improved environment and strives to make a positive contribution to the communities through “zero waste of waste”.
About the Circular Explorer
The Circular Explorer is a 100% solar-powered recycling catamaran, designed to recover marine plastic waste in the world’s oceans and rivers. It is currently operating in Manila Bay in the Philippines. To accelerate its impact, the Circular Explorer is building awareness through educational activities to empower next-generation changemakers in the local communities and pushing the boundaries of marine science to explore new solutions with leading marine institutes.
About Holcim Philippines
Holcim Philippines, Inc. is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency with a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs. With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Misamis Oriental, and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country.
Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and OHSAS 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).
Holcim Philippines is a member of the Holcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry.
