Sustainable Initiatives and Bioplastic Manufacturing: A Research Expedition

During our search for information and knowledge, members of our team had busy days in Quezon City, Pasig City and Makati City. The team had a series of insightful meetings and visits that provided valuable insights on sustainable initiatives, academic research and bioplastic manufacturing in the Philippines.

Through our relationship with Professor Jill Manapat at The University of the Philippines, Diliman campus, we were introduced to some professors in the Mining, Metallurgical, and Material Engineering Department, along with their research. First, we met with the chair of the department, Professor Mitch-Irene Kate Oyales. The department's strong emphasis on sustainable extraction, mining practices, and eco-materials, including sustainable packaging products, left a positive impression on the team. We were also treated to informative tours of the four labs in the department: the Material Characterization Lab, Composites Lab, Mechanical Testing Lab, and Rubber Processing Lab.

Following our time with Professor Mitch-Irene, we were introducted to Professor Tiffany Louise Lao who is currently working on bioplastics research at the university. Professor Tiffany's focus on blending different starches and gums from agro waste to create biopolymers aligned perfectly with the team's research objectives. The potential partnership with UP Diliman and UP Los Baños in utilizing agricultural waste streams offered exciting prospects for their bioplastic development.

Sample of bio-plastic film created at UP Diliman

Afterwards, we had a meeting with Faith Nacarato, co-founder of Oikos Sustainable Solutions. She provided valuable insights into the world of bioplastic manufacturing in the Philippines. The two types of bioplastic bags Oikos produces, made from cassava starch and cornstarch, boast several biodegradability and compostability certifications. While facing challenges in production and sourcing, Oikos' pioneering efforts in bioplastics align with the team's goals. The impact of legislative measures, such as the producer's responsibility act, on promoting sustainable practices was also an eye-opener.

Photographs of products from oikosph.com

Additionally, the team had a meeting with Vincent Mendoza, the founder of Farmvocacy. Farmvocacy's fintech platform focuses on increasing farmers' income by employing an inclusive business model and promoting eco-friendly, high-yielding rice farming. Although Farmvocacy doesn't currently process rice husks, Vincent recognized the potential for collaboration in obtaining waste materials for our initiative. Additionally, while meeting with Vincent, the team was introduced to JT Solis, the co-founder and CEO of Mayani. Mayani works to enable rural farmers access to the mainstream marketplace. We hope to continue to have conversations with both Vincent and JT about ways we can collaborate to ensure the most impact.

Vincent Mendoza, Zach Ostrand, Cayla Brint, Sophia Mihalek and Jon Osika (left to right)

While focusing on innovation and research, we were simultaneously looking for an understanding into the governments role in waste management and plastic initiatives. Members of our team visited the Quezon City Department of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, where they met Ms. Lea Gaon. She shared helpful information about the city's ongoing sustainability initiatives, notably the successful plastic bag ban, which is a significant step towards reducing plastic waste.

At Quezon City Hall, our team had the privilege of meeting Ian Agatep and Emmanuel Velazquez from the Sustainable Development Affairs Unit. Their discussion shed light on the city's dedication to sustainable waste management, exemplified by the organization of urban farms that return farm waste to the soil through composting. Additionally, they learned more about Quezon City's comprehensive sanitation efforts, supported by a description of their waste collection system.

Lastly, we visited the Metro Manila Development Association (MMDA) building in Pasig city to learn more about waste management from the Department of Sanitation. They provided us with useful information about waste segregation and composting in Manila. This information will guide us in developing a product that decomposes in the current composting system.

Overall, the team's time in Quezon City and Makati was highly informative, and the meetings with various stakeholders provided a wealth of knowledge and insights. Especially, the team’s members were able to gain a greater understanding of the bioplastic industry and the current research on it. This will help them fine tune their process at the lab and pivot in their procedure. Armed with this newfound understanding, they are well-equipped to continue their research and work towards the creation of a successful bioplastic product.