EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This essay explores the significant plastic waste problem in the Philippines and its effects on workers, marine life, and the environment. The expansion of the plastic industry and insufficient waste management worsen the situation, resulting in waterway blockage, negative economic impacts, and high tourist collection rates. The entrepreneurial proposal recommends the implementation of environmentally sustainable packaging, specifically utilizing sugarcane bagasse. This suggestion presents a practical, inventive, and economically attractive solution rooted in the thriving sugarcane sector.
2.1 Who is impacted?
Waste management employees face significant health hazards due to dangerous working conditions. From the initial gathering of materials to their ultimate disposal, these personnel face the challenges posed by occupational hazards, which can result in various injuries and musculoskeletal problems. The incidents documented in 2011 and 2013 highlight the pressing nature of resolving health and safety concerns in the waste management industry, demonstrating the need for correct waste disposal methods.(Gumasing & Sasot, 2019)
Research on stranded marine animals in the Philippines has shed light on the extensive influence of microplastic contamination on diverse species. The postmortem tests unveiled occurrences of plastic ingestion in several marine species, including whale sharks, beaked whales, green turtles, dugongs, fish, mussels, and oysters. (Bucol et al., 2020) Notably, a whale shark had 38 plastic items in its digestive tract, predominantly composed of microplastics originating from packaging products. The investigation additionally revealed certain feeding areas, such as Mayo Bay, where dugongs and grazers were shown to be significantly exposed to the accumulation of microplastics.(Galarpe et al., 2021)
2.2 When and where does the problem occur?
The plastic market in the Philippines, valued at over 1283.71 million US dollars in 2016, is expected to see a compounded annual growth rate of 6.11% from 2018 to 2023. Approximately 48% of the plastic is allocated for packaging applications, significantly contributing to marine litter and pollution. The primary duty for handling solid waste collection lies with local government units. Nevertheless, some areas within the nation need more access to effective garbage collection services and recycling infrastructure, increasing inefficiencies throughout the entirety of the waste management process from collection to disposal. (SEA circular Project, 2023)
The extent of urban garbage collection services fluctuates from 80% to 100% at the local level while demonstrating comparatively lower coverage, spanning from 40% to 85% at the national level. Informal settlement locations, commonly called squatter areas, frequently lack waste collection services, resulting in increased illegal dumping activities. (SEA circular Project, 2023) The problem is further intensified by waste disposal into water bodies, contributing to frequent flooding in the metropolitan area. The influx of rubbish into the maritime environment has adverse effects on nature-based tourism and the fishing industry, leading to a decline in revenue generation.(Johannes et al., 2021)
2.3 What are the consequences?
Plastic pollution has significantly impacted the Philippine environment, resulting in significant consequences such as blocking waterways and drainage systems. Rapid clogging results from waste runoff, which directly concerns individuals’ health and hygiene, especially in heavy rainfall(Schachter, J & R. Karasi, 2022). Significantly, the consequences greatly impact Boracay, a popular tourist destination renowned for its pristine beaches and aquatic recreational pursuits. In light of heightened pollution levels, the island of Boracay endured six months of closure in 2018 to facilitate its rehabilitation (SEA Circular, 2020). The shutdown had an equally severe impact on employment, resulting in an estimated loss of 36,000 jobs. This highlights the extensive implications of plastic pollution, which threatens the ecological system and undermines the economic and social equilibrium of communities that heavily depend on tourism and coastal endeavors.(Schachter, J & R. Karasi, 2022)
2.4 Why does the problem exist?
According to the Philippine Plastics Industry Association, Inc. (PPIA), there are a total of 1,088 companies operating in various locations within the Philippines. In 2017, the utilization of plastic for packaging purposes amounted to 48%. The Philippines consumed an estimated 65.8 billion packaging units in 2018. Unfortunately, the issue of packaging waste has been identified as a significant factor in the accumulation of marine litter and the problem of plastic pollution. According to a waste audit conducted in 2013 by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), it was found that Filipinos utilize more than 163 million plastic sachet packets, 48 million shopping bags, and 45 million thin film bags daily. The data presented in this report is based on 21 waste assessments carried out in 6 cities and seven municipalities across the country. According to various sources such as WWF-Philippines, the National Solid Waste Management Commission, and the World Bank, it has been reported that a significant amount of plastics, approximately 74% (equivalent to 386,000 tons), find their way into the ocean. This occurs despite the relatively high nationwide collection rate, which ranges from 40% to 85% and reaches 85% in Metro Manila. (SEA Circular, 2020)
3 . Justification, Importance, and Impact of responsible production and consumption
It is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem of plastic pollution effectively. Immediate action is required to address the issue of plastic production and encourage sustainable consumption, with a specific focus on reducing the use of single-use plastics. In line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12.4 and 12.5, it is crucial to prioritize strategies that center around responsible waste management and substantial waste reduction. Temporary measures can improve waste management methods in the short run, but sustainable solutions require a shift towards a circular economy. This involves implementing creative designs and holding producers accountable to eradicate the use of disposable plastics at every stage of production.
4 ENTREPRENEURIAL DIFA ANALYSIS
Amid the growing issue of plastic waste in the Philippines, implementing environmentally sustainable packaging is essential. Environmentally-friendly packaging, specifically crafted using sustainable materials and aiming to minimize its ecological footprint, offers a compelling substitute for traditional plastic packaging. This solution aligns with international initiatives to mitigate the environmental crisis by reducing pollution, conserving ecosystems, and promoting a circular economy.
4.1 Demand
The effective management and consumption of everyday plastic items play a critical role in addressing the environmental challenge of plastic pollution. Therefore, comprehending the public’s perspectives on plastic pollution can be valuable in engaging society to mitigate environmental harm. The growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding marine ecosystems has led to an increased emphasis on managing the problem of plastic pollution.(Soares et al., 2021) Consequently, there is a growing momentum towards adopting environmentally sustainable alternatives capable of undergoing natural decomposition to conventional plastics. This trend is particularly evident in consumer packaging, as highlighted by (Pahlevi & Suhartanto, 2020). This transition illustrates the possibility of establishing a market for environmentally sustainable alternatives through raising public awareness on the issue of plastic pollution.(Soares et al., 2021)
4.2 Innovation
Adopting environmentally friendly and decomposable food packaging alternatives made from sugarcane bagasse is a significant step towards sustainably addressing plastic waste.(Econtainer Philippines, 2021) Sugarcane bagasse, a residual material derived from sugar production, is a sustainable substitute for conventional plastic packaging. This innovative solution, specifically engineered to undergo natural decomposition, presents a promising approach to mitigating the issue of plastic pollution.
Using biodegradable packaging mitigates the adverse environmental consequences of traditional plastics and capitalizes on utilizing nearby agricultural resources. Incorporating this sustainable resource is by the nation’s dedication to implementing environmentally friendly methodologies, fostering a circular economic model, and diminishing reliance on non-degradable substitutes. This environmentally sustainable alternative can revolutionize consumer behavior, providing a feasible and expandable solution that encourages ecological responsibility while tackling the urgent problem of plastic pollution.
Figure 1 Production of biodegradable packaging made from sugarcane bagasse
Source: (Econtainer Philippines, 2021)
4.3 Feasibility
The growing sugarcane sector, a fundamental pillar of the country’s agricultural economy, contributes a significant PHP 76 billion to the overall annual output. According to the Sugar Regulatory Commission, sugarcane cultivation covers an extensive area of 419,710 hectares. This substantial cultivation results in a noteworthy production of 24.3 million metric tons (MT) of cane. Consequently, this production yields 2.4 million MT of raw sugar and 984,941 MT of refined sugar. This dynamic industry is crucial in supporting around 62,000 agricultural producers and 600,000 individuals employed in farming activities, serving as a vital source of livelihood and financial stability(PEF.ph, n.d.). Using the industry’s byproduct, sugarcane bagasse is a compelling and environmentally sustainable substitute for conventional plastic packaging.
Figure 2 Production volume of sugarcane in the Philippines from 2012 to 2022
Source Statista 2023
4.4 Attractiveness
The Philippines is ranked third worldwide for producing ocean plastic waste, according to a study (Paler et al., 2019)stressing a pressing environmental concern that necessitates exploring alternative solutions. The potential reduction of plastic consumption can be significantly achieved by implementing innovative packaging solutions, such as eco-friendly alternatives like sugarcane bagasse. These advancements in packaging materials can revolutionize the industry and address the pressing issue of plastic waste.(Arowana Impact Capital, 2023)
Exploring eco-friendly packaging materials utilizing sustainable resources presents significant opportunities in the Philippines. Given the limited number of companies involved in such efforts in the country, there is a clear gap in the market that an environmentally conscious enterprise can address. The Philippines, well-known for its abundant biodiversity, has recently experienced a noticeable increase in public awareness and concern over environmental matters. Consumer demand for items with low ecological impact is growing, and businesses that embrace sustainable methods will likely appeal to the environmentally conscious demographic(Dena et al., 2023).
5 Entrepreneurial proposal.
The growing environmental problem with plastic trash in the Philippines necessitates inventive and forward-thinking approaches. The proposed entrepreneurial solution addresses this concern by introducing sustainable packaging alternatives derived from sugarcane bagasse. (Econtainer Philippines, 2021) This solution aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12, which emphasizes explicitly responsible production and consumption. The focal point of this approach revolves around introducing sustainable packaging alternatives with the potential to address the environmental challenge.
There has been a significant increase in the global demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions, with a particular emphasis on this trend in the Philippines. The study by Soares et al. (2021) emphasized the growing market acceptance of these products. The motivation behind this phenomenon stems from increased public consciousness of the adverse consequences of plastic pollution, particularly in marine ecosystems. The Philippines, the third-largest contributor to ocean plastic waste, is confronted with a pressing imperative to adopt sustainable alternatives. This demand arises from environmentally conscious customers and businesses aiming to enhance their sustainability credentials in response to consumer pressures and governmental mandates.
The uniqueness of this approach is found in the application of sugarcane bagasse(a fibrous byproduct that remains after extracting juice from sugarcane) as a packaging material. The Philippines possesses a substantial quantity, commonly regarded as waste, resulting from the nation’s thriving sugarcane sector. The conversion of this residue into packaging material represents a creative approach to repurposing waste, facilitating waste reduction efforts, and fostering sustainability. This approach represents an essential divergence from conventional packaging materials, predominantly sourced from plastics and known to have detrimental environmental effects.
The viability of this proposed solution is supported by the ample presence of sugarcane in the Philippines. The sugarcane industry holds considerable importance within the national economy since it is pivotal in supplying a consistent and abundant source of raw materials. This guarantees that packaging manufacturing can be expanded and satisfy the increasing need. Furthermore, the existing technological infrastructure for the production of sugarcane bagasse has been well-established, facilitating a more feasible shift for farmers.
The appeal of this entrepreneurial option is diverse. First and foremost, the product or initiative in question effectively acknowledges and tackles a pressing environmental concern, thereby capturing the attention and interest of an expanding demographic of environmentally aware consumers and enterprises. Additionally, it presents a novel application of a byproduct by the tenets of a circular economy. This approach not only diminishes dependence on harmful plastics but also enhances the worth of a byproduct that would otherwise be considered garbage. Moreover, using the sugarcane sector’s pre-existing infrastructure, this technology offers a financially efficient substitute for traditional packaging materials.
The conversion of sugarcane bagasse into packaging exemplifies the concepts of the circular economy, wherein waste is transformed into a resource of significant value. Furthermore, it actively promotes the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 12, which calls for the adoption of responsible patterns of production and consumption. The project facilitates realizing this objective by promoting sustainable industry practices and encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly products.
6 Conclusion
The critical problem of plastic pollution in the Philippines requires immediate attention and the development of innovative solutions. The harmful impact on employees within the waste management industry and the concerning repercussions for marine ecosystems highlight the pressing need for transformative action. The current plastic production and consumption patterns, worsened by insufficient waste management infrastructure, contribute to the environmental challenges faced by the Philippines. Adopting eco-friendly packaging, such as sugarcane bagasse, is a practical solution promoting responsible production and consumption. The feasibility and attractiveness of utilizing sugarcane bagasse as a sustainable substitute, supported by the thriving sugarcane sector, offer a promising avenue for tackling plastic contamination’s ecological and financial obstacles.
7 REFERENCES
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