Nestle Philippines Inc. called for the effective implementation of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) law citing it as a major milestone in tackling plastic waste.

“Its implementation will succeed with sustained collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders. These are the government agencies and LGUs (local government units), manufacturers and importers, NGOs (non-government organizations) and civil society groups, and consumers and communities,” said Kais Marzouki, chairman and chief executive officer of Nestlé Philippines,

“The effective implementation of the law is urgently needed to tackle the plastic pollution crisis,” Marzouki added.

Republic Act No. 11898, the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, defines EPR as the environmental policy approach and practice that now requires producers to be environmentally responsible throughout the life cycle of a product, from manufacture to consumption or use, and especially to its post-consumer or end-of-life stage.

Large enterprises are covered, with auditing and annual compliance reports to be submitted.

Plastic packaging refers to products used to carry, protect or pack goods for transportation, distribution and sale.

The law mandates establishing or phasing in EPR programs within six months, with yearly incremental target recovery rates up to 80 percent by 2028.

Marzouki said Nestle has been fully plastic neutral for two years as of this August, recovering over 52 million kilos of plastic waste as of last July, equivalent to the volume of plastic packaging it put out in the market.

The company’s firsts in the country include making a full transition from plastic to paper straws.

“As the EPR law is implemented, we will intensify our efforts in searching for packaging alternatives while working to reduce plastic use, putting in place collection and recycling mechanisms, and mobilizing consumer involvement and participation,” Marzouki said. —Irma Isip

Malaya Business Insight comes to you in a very readable package: A fusion of in-depth news, excellent news analyses, the credible prognosis of events, powerful commentaries and balanced updates on what is happening and about to happen in corporate board rooms, in the diverse business and industry sectors, in Philippine regional and global politics and in the exciting world of sports, arts, entertainment, and lifestyle.

© by Malaya Business Insight