Scaling A Sustainable Business in the Philippines
Ever wondered how much plastic waste our country produces? According to a study by the World Bank Group, the plastics industry contributed US$2.3 billion in 2028, making it essential to the Philippine economy. With a lower price range, it offers affordable consumer goods to families in low- and middle-income brackets. However, due to a heavy reliance on single-use plastics like sachets, the country has become known as a ‘sachet economy,’ contributing to the rising levels of marine plastic pollution, with an estimated consumption of 163 million sachets daily. Let’s say there are 100 million Filipinos using shampoo sachets to shower three times a day—that’s a staggering number of used sachets ending up in landfills.
The packaging landscape in the Philippines
In addition to fast moving consumer goods packaging like shampoo sachets, the demand for packaged food in the Philippines has increased significantly, particularly in major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao with smaller cities not far behind. This influx is mainly driven by the strong customer's need for convenience and easy storage. Popular items include ready meals, snacks, confectionery, and dairy products. In addition, plastic pouches are increasingly favored for processed foods like condiments and sauces.
As the largest consumer base in the country, Metro Manila naturally has become the top city requiring ready-to-eat meals and snack foods due to high urban population density and fast-paced lifestyle. Cebu and Davao, being major urban centers, exhibit similar trends and are also experiencing growth in local processed food brands that leverage affordable packaging options for shelf-stable products.
Combining just one simple example of shampoo sachets with a few food packaging options across three central business districts—Manila, Cebu, and Davao—illustrates how the packaging landscape in the Philippines contributes to significant amounts of limited recyclability waste daily. This accumulation of waste can lead to severe environmental consequences, including increased marine pollution, exacerbated waste management challenges, and detrimental effects on local ecosystems. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for businesses to scale through the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions.
Grow your business with sustainable packaging solutions
A Pulse Asia Survey in 2022 highlighted that 83% of Filipinos prefer eco-friendly brands. Businesses can leverage this growing preference by adopting sustainable packaging solutions that align with both consumer values and environmental goals. Exploring options like recyclable glass, compostable cartons, or reusable containers helps meet market demand while supporting a sustainable future.
Companies can take advantage of eco-friendly options by increasing brand value proposition and product differentiation within competitive markets. For businesses championing corporate social responsibility, this is a great way to contribute to a circular economy.
Manbrella Packaging Experts specializes in glass containers, primarily used for food and beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Our brand advocates using glass packaging as it was intended, 'for use in a returnable system’. In a returnable system, 'each glass bottle or jar can replace 50 individual single-use containers’. Our other 'sustainable picks' for product offerings include paper cases and reusable crates, metal caps and closures, and amber pharmaceutical glass bottles. Our product offerings also include cartons and crates, caps and closures, and amber pharmaceutical packaging. Contact us for inquiries or send us your requirements at info@packagingexpertsgroup.com.
