The rising global plastic production, projected to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050 according to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), poses alarming environmental, social, and health threats. In response to this growing crisis, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s leading integrated property developers, continues to champion sustainability through innovative programs and infrastructure.

With the aim of shaping plastic-free communities, SM Prime actively supports International Plastic-Free Day every May 25 and promotes the shift away from single-use plastics (SUP). Their ongoing efforts also align with the objectives of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.

As a collective initiative, the SM group is working with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), to fulfill its obligations under Republic Act 11898 or the EPR Law. This legislation mandates businesses to be accountable for the recovery and proper disposal of their plastic packaging waste. Through a dedicated EPR working group, SM acknowledges the operational challenges and is committed to a five-year action plan that promotes plastic waste reduction, recovery, and technological innovations. These efforts include collaboration with various stakeholders to strengthen policy implementation and resource efficiency.

To support its sustainability goals, SM Prime is developing key infrastructure to enhance plastic waste management. Across its properties, the company has installed Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and standardized waste segregation practices to reduce landfill contributions. Furthering this commitment, SM partnered with the Japanese environmental firm GUUN to form the SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI), which processes non-recyclable plastics into “fluff fuel.” This alternative fuel is then supplied to eco-conscious cement companies, demonstrating a sustainable solution through co-processing.

SM Prime also goes beyond regulatory compliance with programs like the Trash to Cash recycling market, operating nationwide since 2007. This initiative incentivizes communities to exchange recyclables for goods, creating an avenue for plastic waste recovery. SM malls also host 15 plastic waste drop-off sites and operate reverse vending machines for aluminum and PET bottles at select locations. In support of the annual International Coastal Clean-up (ICC), SM Cares mobilized over 23,000 volunteers in 2024 alone, engaging employees, students, and local communities in coastal and waterway clean-ups across the country.

In the hospitality sector, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has fully phased out single-use plastics from its properties, aligning with UNEP’s advocacy. Since 2018, hotels like Pico Sands have partnered with WWF Philippines through the “Ayoko Na Sa Plastic” campaign, and have replaced traditional toiletries and water bottles with sustainable alternatives. SMX Convention Centers also promote sustainable event practices by using bamboo and starch-based cutlery. SM Prime remains steadfast in its vision for a waste-free future by investing in systems, partnerships, and community engagement, underlining that everyone has a role to play in addressing the global plastic waste crisis.

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