MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Food company Mars Petcare recently announced a packaging recycling initiative in the Philippines as part of its global efforts to create a circular economy for plastic packaging where it doesn’t become waste. The collaboration with Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) and retailer Pet Express is called “Fur The Best,” which is an extension of the “SWAP Recycling” initiative from Thailand that will enable the collection and recycling of mixed post-consumer flexible plastic packaging waste into useful products. It’s one of the many sustainability initiatives that Mars Petcare is running to give pet parents the opportunity to recycle their plastic packaging.
Mars continues to work globally toward 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable plastic packaging and reducing use of virgin plastic by 25%. To reach its goal, it will need not only recyclable materials but also need collection and recycling infrastructure in place and the right consumer behavior to make it happen.
According to the 2021 Who Cares, Who Does report by Kantar Philippines, 75% of Filipinos actively seek out brands that offer ways to reduce their impact on the environment. In the Philippines, the passage of the Extended Producer Responsibility (RA 11898) law has heightened attention on solid waste management, particularly of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods post-consumer waste.
Johnny Racoma, General Manager for Mars Petcare in the Philippines, highlighted that Mars Petcare aims to meet consumer desire for more sustainable packaging options. He said, “Consumers continue to be concerned not just about the content of what their pets eat but also about reducing their environmental impact.”
Packaging plays many vital roles: protecting ingredients, preserving freshness, conveying nutrition and health information, and differentiating brands. However, it also poses real challenges. This means it can end up in landfills, as litter, or even find its way into the environment.
As a leader in manufacturing, Mars Petcare believes it is important to work to address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future. “As more Filipino shoppers are willing to shift to sustainable practices, this presents us an opportunity to invest in eco-friendly practices and take the lead in meeting consumer needs while reducing waste and increasing circularity,” stated Racoma.
To implement its collection for the recycling program, Mars Petcare partnered with Pet Express and Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX). Through this partnership, pet parents can collect and surrender clean and empty packaging of any number of PEDIGREE, IAMS OR WHISKAS Dry food and any petfood flexible plastic packaging in any of the following sizes: 1kg, 3kg, and 8kg.
Recycling drop-off points are available in 15 of the participating Pet Express locations in International Toyworld stores in Metro Manila, such as Megamall, Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, Pet Express North Edsa, Bonifacio Global City, SM Masinag, SM Cubao, SM Makati, Festival Mall, Pet Express Dasmarinas, Pet Express Hyper Makati, Grand Central Caloocan, Pet Express Molino, Pet Express Madison Alabang, and Pet Express Estancia.
All collected materials will be handed to PCX, the recycling facilitator of the “Fur The Best” program. The materials will be recycled into useful products such as benches that will be donated to pet shelters in the Greater Manila area.
“PCX has always advocated the need for both upstream and downstream solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. Mars’ “Fur The Best” campaign is an important step to ensuring that brands are attempting specific recovery which builds a more circular economy,: said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of PCX.
Participating pet parents should scan the QR code to register and answer the survey and will receive a PHP100 coupon per transaction, once daily, regardless of the quantity given. With the PHP100 coupon, pet parents can use it on the same day of swapping as a discount when the customers purchase ANY Mars Pet Nutrition Products for their fur babies. Customers can redeem the PHP100 discount until May 31.
“Our chances of achieving a sustainable future will be determined by how we protect our planet. As a result, sustainability activities will always be a component of our global efforts. We want to see significant development in the Philippines, where customers can join our ‘Fur The Best’ program,” Johnny Racoma added.
For further information on the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan and Circular Packaging commitments, visit here.
