SM promotes recycling to boost circular economy

MANILA – SM Supermalls is urging Filipinos to take a closer look at their trash bins, highlighting how bottles, cans, and cartons can be recycled into new products under its SM Green Movement.

The initiative, which features Recyclable-Disposable-Compostable (RDC) bins across mall properties, aims to recover reusable resources and keep waste out of landfills and oceans.

Glass bottles collected at SM malls are returned to bottlers such as San Miguel Yamamura and Asia Brewery for reuse, while PET bottles are processed by Coca-Cola’s PETvalue and Nature Spring’s NS Sustainability Solutions into new beverage containers or polyester for clothing.

Tin and aluminum cans are recycled to cut energy costs for manufacturers, while cartons retain high value as recycled paper products require only 10% new material.

SM said proper disposal is key to ensuring recyclables are returned to the market.

“A true circular economy is within reach when we all mindfully sort and dispose of bottles, cans, and cartons,” the company noted in its statement.

The program is part of SM’s broader sustainability push, encouraging mallgoers to contribute to a “Waste-Free Future” through collective action.

(This report is based on information released by SM Supermalls)