MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Tetra Pak, a world-leading processing and packaging solutions company, has partnered with the Del Monte Foundation, the non-profit CSR organization of food and beverage company Del Monte Philippines, as the beneficiary of its Cartons for Communities program. The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both organizations recently.
Through its Cartons for Communities platform, Tetra Pak educates schools and private communities on the importance of recycling Used Beverage Cartons (UBCs) as well as working with Local Government Units (LGUs), collection partners and junk shops to collect and recycle used beverage cartons. These collected used beverage cartons are then turned into Poly Al boards and recycled chipboards that can be converted into useful everyday items such as chairs and tables.
The initiative takes an integrated approach across the value chain by involving all stakeholders, from fostering awareness to collection, recycling, and conversion of collected cartons.
Catherine Chua, Sustainability Manager at Tetra Pak Philippines, said, “We want to make a difference by raising the awareness of the recyclability of carton packaging and promoting carton recycling as a way to contribute to the country’s circular economy. We are excited to bring Del Monte Foundation onboard as the beneficiary of Cartons for Communities and the opportunity of working together to raise awareness on the importance of segregation for recycling among Filipino communities and bring about change.”
Recently, representatives from Tetra Pak and the Del Monte Foundation conducted a visit to school beneficiaries in Bukidnon province to gain important insights into the community’s needs. The visit identified a pressing need for kindergarten chairs and tables. This insight has been incorporated into the program’s plan to make furniture from recycled UBC boards to address the needs of local communities’ school.
Bella Quimpo, Executive Director of Del Monte Foundation, said, “At the Del Monte Foundation, we are committed to promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment. We believe that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility and this partnership with Tetra Pak aligns perfectly with our mission. Through the program, we aim to drive awareness, educate the public, and promote a recycling value chain that will preserve our natural resources for generations to come.”
The Cartons for Communities platform is driven by Tetra Pak’s strategic ambition to lead sustainability transformation across industries. Tetra Pak works closely with stakeholders across the value chain to drive collective action that can help contribute to circularity and increase food packaging recycling.
“Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to create a sustainable and thriving future for the Philippines. This partnership with Del Monte Foundation stands as a testament to our dedication to making a positive difference in the environment and lives of Filipinos. We are excited to continue our journey towards a more sustainable society together,” added Catherine.
The partnership between Tetra Pak and the Del Monte Foundation through the Cartons for Communities initiative demonstrates our shared vision of social good and joint dedication to tackling environmental challenges head-on and making a lasting impact in the Philippines.
