Jollibee, Republic Cement tie up for plastic waste co-processing

Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is beefing up its sustainability initiatives as it teams up with Republic Cement to address plastic packaging waste through co-processing.

The partnership includes the fast-food giant recovering postconsumer plastic packaging waste, diverting it away from the landfills and waterways, and sending it to Republic Cement for co-processing.

Republic Cement, in turn, will use the collected packaging waste as alternative fuel in the cement manufacturing process.

The agreement covers JFC’s wholly owned brands in the Philippines, such as Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich and Red Ribbon, as well as franchised brands Burger King, Panda Express and Yoshinoya.

“We are committed to supporting our global sustainability agenda with its three main pillars of food, people and planet,” JFC vice president for network development group Gerard Paul Filart said.

“With this partnership with Republic Cement, we are taking steps toward minimizing wastage while providing something of value. With this, we are hoping we are helping to bring more joy for tomorrow,” he said.

The Jollibee Group, which includes other brands, has a store count of 6,805 stores worldwide as of end-November 2023.

The partnership is also seen supporting the Extended Producer Responsibility Law, which aims to reduce the volume of plastic waste generation and extend the life of plastics by adding value or purpose through upcycling or recycling.

“Republic Cement provides a very important solution to fight plastic pollution by diverting waste away from landfills and waterways, away from areas where it can negatively affect communities,” Republic Cement CEO Roman Menz said.

“We are happy to see the commitment of JFC toward doing their part in solving our current plastic pollution crisis. Republic Cement is with JFC in their journey for a greener, more sustainable world,” he said.

Republic Cement is a leading local cement manufacturer and the pioneer of co-processing in the country.