Insider Spotlight
Rather than pushing drastic lifestyle shifts, the retailer is emphasizing affordable, low-effort swaps that fit naturally into daily routines, from personal care to household essentials.
Why it matters
For many consumers, cost and convenience remain barriers to sustainable living. Watsons is betting that accessibility—in price, availability, and ease of use—is the key to wider adoption.
By embedding sustainability into commonly used products, the company aims to normalize greener choices without compromising comfort or quality .
What they’re offering
Watsons’ Sustainable Choices program curates products under four pillars designed to keep sustainable options within reach of the mass market.
Refill and Reuse highlights refill packs and in-store refill stations that reduce plastic use while offering better value for money. Clean Beauty focuses on thoughtfully formulated products with more responsible ingredient profiles.
Better Ingredients promotes responsible sourcing, while Better Packaging prioritizes recycled and sustainably managed materials to cut down on single-use plastics.
Between the lines
Refill packs stand out as both an environmental and economic lever. By using less plastic and costing less than full-sized replacements, they appeal to budget-conscious shoppers who may not actively seek out “green” products but are open to savings.
In-store refill stations at select high-traffic locations further test whether sustainability can scale when paired with convenience.
Beyond the shelf
Accessibility also extends to how shoppers interact with stores. Most Watsons branches now use paper bags as part of a shift away from plastic, while customers are encouraged to bring reusable bags.
Selected locations feature Recycle for Rewards bins, allowing shoppers to return empty personal care bottles in exchange for discounts—a small incentive designed to reinforce repeat sustainable behavior.
What they’re saying
“Sustainability does not have to be complicated or out of reach. Through Sustainable Choices, we make it easier for customers to choose greener options every time they shop at Watsons, from refill packs to thoughtfully formulated products.” Danilo Chiong, Watsons Philippines’ managing director, said in a press statement.
“By integrating sustainability into everyday products and in-store experiences, we empower customers to take small steps that collectively make a meaningful difference for themselves and for the planet,” Chiong said.
The bottom line
By framing sustainability as affordable and habitual rather than aspirational, Watsons is aligning its environmental messaging with everyday consumer realities—a strategy that could broaden the reach of sustainable retail in the Philippines. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
