15 Nov SPIK Conducts Webinar on Circular Economy in Waste Management
On November 15, 2024, the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) hosted a webinar entitled “Redefining Waste Management for Circular Economy.” The event was moderated by Engr. Joy Pena from SPIK Responsible Care Council and Dow Chemical Philippines, Inc., attracting 45 professionals from various industries eager to deepen their understanding of incorporating circular economy principles into waste management practices.
The purpose of the webinar was to underscore the significant contribution of the chemical sector toward sustainability objectives and environmental accountability. Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle, President of SPIK, opened the session by emphasizing the importance of these discussions for the future trajectory of the chemical industry.
Mr. Geri Geronimo Sanez, Chief of the Environmental Quality Division at the Environmental Management Bureau (EQD-EMB), commenced technical presentations with an informative talk on how to embed circular economy concepts into waste management and extend producers’ responsibilities concerning hazardous waste. He stressed the necessity for a comprehensive strategy focused on reducing waste and optimizing resources.
Subsequently, Mr. Ronald Mercado, Managing Director of BASF Philippines, Inc., delivered a compelling presentation regarding his company’s successes within the framework of a circular economy. He shared practical insights that could benefit other organizations looking to adopt sustainable practices, highlighting BASF’s innovative methods for enhancing resource efficiency, minimizing waste generation, and establishing closed-loop systems. He pointed out that collaboration and innovation are essential to achieving both environmental sustainability and economic viability.
Engr. Rey Michael Tagarao, Sustainability Manager at Holcim Philippines, Inc., discussed their pioneering Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact throughout a product’s lifecycle—from design through production to consumption and disposal. Through EPR strategies, Holcim Philippines actively supports a more circular economy while promoting efficient resource use and responsible handling of post-consumer materials. This comprehensive approach reflects their dedication to sustainable industrial practices.
Mr. Errol Ignacio, Country Manager at Dow Chemical Philippines, Inc., presented his organization’s innovative endeavors in sustainability and circular economy principles. His talk highlighted Dow’s focus on innovation as essential for driving environmental stewardship and socioeconomic development while demonstrating real-world applications designed to minimize waste and conserve resources—fostering an environmentally friendly future that balances industrial growth with responsible resource management.
Lastly, Engr. Arjay Ronald Hosmillo introduced an advanced data visualization tool he developed for enhancing reporting related to circular economy initiatives. This accessible platform allows stakeholders to efficiently track and analyze data which aids in strategic decision-making toward promoting sustainable practices. Its intuitive interface demystifies complex data sets by offering clear insights that can propel both environmental progress and economic advancement within a circular economy context.
The collaboration with the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) highlighted how vital cross-sector knowledge sharing is in propelling forward the agenda for a circular economy. Participants who attended were able to earn 3 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points as recognition for their commitment to professional development alongside environmental responsibility.
Overall, this SPIK webinar provided a valuable forum for exchanging ideas and best practices while fostering collective awareness about the challenges and opportunities inherent in reimagining waste management towards achieving a more sustainable future.