Forging Sustainable Alliances: Navigating the Philippine Food Waste Landscape

As our departure from the Philippines draws near, our focus in these final days centers around engaging with industry players involved in sourcing food waste for various applications. This entails meetings with companies, farmers, and organizations aligned with our mission. Our objectives encompass forming partnerships with those who can aid us in securing vital resources for our supply chain and the development of alternative bio-plastic manufacturing.

In our exploration of enterprises utilizing food waste as a foundational resource, we were introduced to Coco Pallet, a company that converts coconut husks into shipping pallets. Our connection, Stephen Co from WTH Foods, shared the contact details of Kiel Flores, Coco Pallet's Chief Commercial Officer for Asia. Engaging with Kiel, we delved into the specific challenges that Coco Pallet encountered. These challenges centered on entering the market as a new material, procuring coconut waste, and refining the machinery and processes required for their innovative product.

Through our discourse, we received insights into Coco Pallet's collaboration with large coconut manufacturers, streamlining the collection of husks by processing whole coconuts at their facilities. This operational strategy holds promise for us, as we endeavor to ensure a consistent supply and enhance transportation efficiency within our own process. Additionally, Kiel provided us with documents and contacts to further our understanding of waste sourcing and the strategic direction of our venture.

Beyond this, we had the privilege of meeting with three local farmers—John, Nate, and Felix—in southern Manila. Their perspectives reflected the realities of rural Philippine farming, waste management practices, and composting techniques. Furthermore, they shared knowledge concerning crop waste transportation and how we can seamlessly integrate these practices into our workflow. Their insights extended to ongoing research in repurposing crop waste, along with identifying crops that generate substantial waste. These farmers also facilitated a connection with a biomass plant keen on further discussions with our team.

Estefania, Nate, John, Felix, Cayla and Max (left to right)

Our engagement extended to Julia Lapitan and her team at the Bureau of Agricultural Research. Their role in funding research initiatives aimed at repurposing crops and promoting local products provided us with valuable insights. While their current mandate is centered on project oversight and funding, not direct implementation, their input proved invaluable. Conversations with their corn specialist unveiled the potential of corn waste in our product. They were enthusiastic, as our project closely aligned with their annual priorities.

Meeting with the Bureau of Agricultural Research

Our interactions further encompassed meetings with Ms. Jade Herrera and Ms. Amy Chua of PPSA and GrowAsia. PPSA's collaborative efforts with farmer groups and cooperatives to pool knowledge and resources for enhanced crop sales efficiency caught our attention. A noteworthy insight shared by them pertained to carbon credits. They highlighted the possibility of certification for individuals selling waste to us, enabling them to gain additional income and tax incentives—a concept that holds considerable promise for incentivizing farmers and millers to collaborate with us in waste supply.

As we prepare to embark on the next chapter of our venture, we are excited by the connections we've fostered and the insights we've gained during our fieldwork in the Philippines. The plethora of encounters with sustainable industry pioneers, farmers, and organizations has enriched our understanding and amplified our resolve. Together, we stand at the precipice of transformative change—where food waste becomes a valuable resource, partnerships flourish, and sustainability takes root. With gratitude and anticipation, we step forward, guided by the lessons learned and the promises of a greener future.