Philippines enacts legislation requiring companies to address plastic waste

The Philippines, long regarded as one of the top contributors to ocean plastic pollution, has recently adopted new legislation designed to combat the waste crisis by placing financial responsibilities on major corporations. This Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law mandates that large businesses take measures to reduce plastic waste, including redesigning products and financing waste management initiatives. The aim is to achieve 'plastic neutrality' by 2028, pushing firms to act on collecting and recycling a significant portion of the plastic they produce. Currently, approximately half of the eligible companies have begun their EPR programs, taking part in a broader initiative that addresses the environmental impact of plastic pollution. With a population of around 120 million, the Philippines generates an alarming amount of post-consumer plastic waste each year, making such legislative efforts critical in addressing the global plastic crisis. Despite these advances, the implementation of EPR has highlighted both the potential benefits and the underlying challenges of reducing plastic waste. Companies such as Mondelez have committed to offsetting their plastic footprint by purchasing plastic credits to support the collection and processing of non-recyclable plastics. This approach aims to provide funding to the struggling waste collection sector, specifically targeting plastics that are economically unviable for recycling. However, transforming upstream production practices to minimize the plastic produced remains a significant hurdle. The reluctance among companies to accept higher production costs for more sustainable packaging illustrates the complexities involved in the shift towards environmentally friendly practices. As the EPR law takes effect, some local citizens, including those in low-income areas, find economic opportunities in the plastic waste collection process. Individuals like Marita Blanco have begun purchasing discarded plastics to resell them to organizations that facilitate recycling, thus improving their personal financial situations while contributing to local waste reduction efforts. The success of these initiatives, however, remains tentative. While there has been tangible progress, experts note that behavioral change within communities takes time, and comprehensive systems must be built to sustain these efforts over the long run. The law is seen as a significant policy advance amid ongoing global discussions about curbing plastic pollution. As countries prepare for a treaty negotiation focused on reducing plastic waste by December, the Philippines' law could serve as a crucial reference point for collaborative efforts in tackling this pressing environmental issue. The potential of the EPR approach could inspire other nations to adopt similar measures to effectively confront the challenge of plastic pollution, provided they address both the economic and environmental dimensions of waste management.