PCX Solutions Joins Eco-Business’ 2026 Unlocking Capital for Sustainability - Philippines
PCX Solutions is delighted to speak at the 2026 Unlocking Capital for Sustainability – Philippines on August 19, 2026.
Hosted by Eco-Business, in partnership with UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Finance Initiative (FI) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) Philippines, this flagship summit convened policymakers, financial leaders, and industry experts to explore how the Philippines and the greater ASEAN region can mobilize capital, strengthen resilience, and navigate a more uncertain global environment.
This year’s edition aligns with the 2026 ASEAN theme of “Navigating Our Future, Together” addressing critical topics such as food security, sustainable tourism, energy transition, circularity, and social inclusion across the region. The event also sheds light on the Philippines’ role as this year’s ASEAN Chair, positioning itself as a regional catalyst for climate action and economic resiliency against a turbulent global geopolitical environment.
Our Senior Manager for EPR & Projects, Athalie Reyes joined the closing plenary “One region, one loop? The case for an ASEAN circular economy framework.” The panel explored the feasibility of a regional CE framework for the region and looked into financial, regulatory, organizational, and environmental enablers and barriers to circularity.
Drawing from her experience in the EPR and circular economy ecosystem in the Philippines, Athalie highlighted the following points during the panel:
As an enabler of circular economy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) must move from basic compliance to real and transparent impact. Financing is flowing into waste management under EPR, but we need full visibility into what is actually being funded. To create genuine impact, funds shouldn’t just cover business-as-usual operating expenses; they must drive additional collection, upgraded recycling infrastructure, and a just transition for waste workers.
Financing should shift to upstream avoidance and reduction. We cannot recycle our way out of the plastic crisis. Beyond recovery, we must operationalize and finance upstream strategies—like ecodesign, alternative delivery systems and alternative materials—so that corporate investments deliver long-term circular benefits rather than perpetual cleanup costs.
Financial models need safeguards to prevent a "race to the bottom." Unchecked market competition for compliance credits risks driving down credit prices at the expense of waste pickers and value chain members. By setting clear standards—such as minimum revenue allocation for fair wages and improved collection—we can ensure EPR funds protect waste workers, keep diverters profitable, and deliver real socio-economic returns.
We are grateful to Eco-Business for inviting us to this meaningful event and to all partners and delegates who imparted valuable insights on shaping a more inclusive and resilient ASEAN.
Revisit the event and catch the event recap from Eco-Business here.
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