Why it matters:
Plastic pollution remains a global crisis, and the Philippines is among the world’s top contributors to ocean-bound plastic waste. Aboitiz Foods’ overachievement signals a serious corporate shift toward responsible packaging, waste reduction, and the circular economy, aligning business success with environmental accountability.
“Our purpose goes beyond business,” said Annacel Natividad, chief risk officer at Aboitiz Foods. “This progress reflects our commitment to doing things right and always striving to do better. #everymeal is our ongoing promise to produce food and feed responsibly. We’re proud that our efforts are not just ticking boxes, but creating real, lasting impact in the way we operate.”
Packaging reform leads the way
Aboitiz Foods prioritized packaging reform to meet and exceed EPR requirements. Packaging is the company’s largest source of plastic use, spanning products like animal feeds, flour, and more.
Key efforts include:
Introducing lighter packaging with 20 percent less plastic
Switching to bulk formats across certain product lines
Implementing bulk truck loading systems at multiple feed mills
For instance, soybean meal, one of the company’s largest feed materials, used to be transported in woven bags. It is now delivered using fixed pipe systems or recycled one-ton tote bags — significantly reducing single-use plastic and improving efficiency.
The company also upcycles used packaging into aprons, bags, shirts, and pouches — engaging employees and local communities in creative sustainability practices.
Broader sustainability efforts
In 2024, Aboitiz Foods achieved several milestones beyond plastic recovery:
Planted 7,600+ trees
Generated 16.2 million kWh of solar energy
Produced over 10.3 million tons of biomass
Reused, upcycled, or properly disposed of 1,100 metric tons of plastic waste
Saved $165,000 through internal waste reuse programs
Impact across Asia
While the plastic recovery milestone was measured in the Philippines, Aboitiz Foods is already working to scale these sustainability practices in its regional operations, including Vietnam and China.
At its Gold Coin Feed Dongguan facility in China, the team diverted 211 metric tons of packaging waste from landfills in 2024 through a local recycling program. The initiative not only supports resource recovery but also generates stable income for low-income community members — reinforcing the company’s social impact mission.
“Our teams throughout Asia are identifying the most relevant sustainability opportunities for their local operations and communities,” Natividad said. “At the same time, we’re building stronger internal systems to monitor, track, and eventually scale these efforts. It’s a long road, but this milestone gives us a strong foundation.”
What’s next
With the Philippines’ EPR Law requiring 80 percent recovery by 2028, Aboitiz Foods is doubling down on innovation, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
“More than compliance, this progress is about taking responsibility,” added Natividad. “We’re doing our part to manage what we produce and to ensure it does not end up harming the communities and ecosystems we are part of.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
