There has always been a debate as to who should be held accountable for the insurmountable amount of plastic waste in the country. Usually, the blame is heavily placed on people who use and purchase plastic bags or other plastic products. It is presumed that those people who incorporate such practice to their lifestyles contribute highly to pollution and degrading environmental conditions– but a different perspective arises when one examines why people purchase such products. For example, products in sachets are often purchased by people because these are more affordable as compared to most of the “eco-friendly” products available in the market. Coming from the bigger picture, it can be clearly seen that the huge manufacturing and food production companies behind those retail products also play a significant role in the management of wastes.
Even small business enterprises (mSMEs) here in the Philippines need to complete environmental permits to ensure that they understand their responsibility to contribute in making a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable country. [In reference to this, this article provides insights regarding small business and medium scale enterprises in the Philippines: “Complete List and Table of Environmental Permits for every Type of Small Business and mSME in the Philippines”]
Republic Act No. 11898, otherwise known as “The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022” is the country’s legislative attempt at curbing the plastic pollution problem. The purpose of this law is to make huge companies, with over Php 1 billion worth of total assets, manage their own plastic packaging waste. It centers on the concept that when a producer manufactures a certain product, it must take responsibility for its whole lifecycle. By doing so, it shifts some of the environmental responsibility from consumers to producers, encouraging companies to innovate in product design, packaging, and waste management practices.
EPR programs are already existing in other countries such as United States and Canada. Japan and South Korea were the first ones to adopt this framework by collecting disposal fee for products that are difficult to recycle. In North America, manufacturers are encouraged to redesign their entire production systems. This law is also largely related to solid and hazardous waste management in the country.
[For further reading, see “The Definitive Guide to Solid and Hazardous Waste Management in the Philippines”]
The law’s main purpose is to create a national policy that centers on systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program. It involves practical approaches to efficiently manage wastes by institutionalizing the extended producer responsibility mechanism. Some several considerations for this include manufacturers’ full responsibility of their product’s life cycle, circular economy, and sustainable consumption and production. The basic policy must ensure the protection of the environment as well as the public health.
Manufacturers must utilize valuable resources towards conservation and environmental recovery. In line with this, waste reduction guidelines must be defined and targeted. Big companies involved in the manufacturing processes must ensure proper segregation, treatment, and disposal of wastes. Upon achieving the objectives, research and development program would be beneficial in designing waste management initiatives, and huge companies may invest to these. Moreover, private sectors’ participation would be valuable in any management program. The law entails that the companies must still comply with the requirements of local government units, ensuring proper cooperation with the government units, organizations, and private sectors. Market-based instruments can be applied to encourage cooperation and self-regulation among waste generators.
Even though this law highly emphasizes the role of huge companies, public participation would still be necessary in different waste management actions. The initiatives being done by the companies can be strengthened by incorporating the relevant topics in the academic curricula of formal and non-formal education. The purpose for this is to raise environmental awareness, which may later result to a positive and revolutionary response from the citizen.
Our previous article, “What You Need to Know About the Extended Producer Responsibility EPR Law of the Philippines”, explains what this law is all about, and enlists the requirements that enterprises must comply with.
Some of the FMCGs and conglomerates in the Philippines like Nestle, Coca-Cola, and Unilever are already in compliance with this and continues to initiate environmental preservation activities.
For the Philippines, the EPR Act represents a significant step toward achieving a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled, minimizing waste and environmental impact. The law also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government, private sectors, and the public. Public participation, education, and awareness are critical components in ensuring the success of these initiatives.
Through collective effort and responsibility, the nation can address its plastic waste crisis and move towards a more sustainable and resilient ecological landscape. Through collective effort and responsibility, the nation can address its plastic waste crisis and move towards a more sustainable and resilient ecological landscape.
The EPR Act serves as a catalyst for broader environmental reforms, paving the way for future policies that prioritize ecological health alongside economic growth.
By setting a precedent in environmental governance, the Philippines can inspire other nations to adopt similar measures, contributing to a global movement towards sustainability.
The commitment to EPR is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative to protect the planet for future generations, ensuring that economic development does not compromise the health and well-being of the environment.
By integrating EPR mechanisms into national policy, the Philippines aims to foster a sustainable future where economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental health. The law’s comprehensive approach ensures that large corporations contribute to conservation and environmental recovery, creating a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.
References:
Arowana. (2023, January 20). What the extended producer responsibility act means for the Philippines: Arowana Impact Capital. https://arowanaco.com/2023/01/20/extended-producer-responsibility-act-philippines/
DENR-EMB. (2023). RA 11898 – extended producer responsibility on Plastic Packaging Waste | Environmental Management Bureau. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau. https://emb.gov.ph/ra-11898-extended-producer-responsibility-on-plastic-packaging-waste/
GreenDev Solutions. (2023, August 14). What you need to know about the extended producer responsibility EPR Law of the Philippines. https://greendevsolutions.com/epr-law-philippines/
GreenDev Solutions. (2024a, March 4). Solid waste management in the Philippines. https://greendevsolutions.com/solid-waste-management-in-the-philippines/
GreenDev Solutions. (2024b, April 24). List of all 30+ environmental permits for msmes in the Philippines. https://greendevsolutions.com/environmental-permits-for-msmes/