Plastic Reboot Launches in the Philippines to Advance Plastic Circularity in the Food and Beverage Sector
The GEF-funded initiative targets single-use plastics in the food and beverage sector by advancing upstream and midstream circular solutions.
On October 1, 2026, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and HOPEx Environment Group, Inc. (PCX Solutions), officially launched Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in the Philippines--also known as Plastic Reboot Philippines. The initiative aims to address plastic pollution by advancing circularity in the food & beverage (F&B) sector.
Plastic Reboot Philippines is part of the Plastic Reboot Global Integrated Program, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Co-led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the program spans 15 countries and promotes upstream and midstream solutions to reduce plastic pollution and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy for plastics.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as single-use plastics (SUPs) continue to place significant pressure on ecosystems. Packaging from the F&B sector represents a major share of SUPs in the Philippines, with associated waste generation estimated at approximately 3.5 million metric tonnes per year. Complementing ongoing downstream efforts, Plastic Reboot Philippines will focus on upstream interventions that prevent and reduce plastic waste at source while enabling more circular products, packaging and business models.
“For the Philippines, this is a matter of urgency. Our country’s ecosystems continue to face pressure from plastic pollution. At the same time, the demand for plastic products and packaging continues to increase. Therefore, we need to recognize that plastic pollution is not simply a waste management issue. It is also a challenge of production, consumption, product design, and resource management,” said DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna during his keynote message. “This is where Plastic Reboot can make an important contribution. It provides an opportunity to build on the foundations established by our existing laws and policies to advance solutions that can help prevent plastic waste at its source.”
The launch event, held at the AC Hotel by Marriott Manila in Pasig City on 01 October 2026, brought together representatives from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), development organizations, the private sector, civil society and other circular economy stakeholders.
The event agenda featured commitments from key partners, a ceremonial signing reinforcing multi-sectoral collaboration, fireside chats on intergovernmental agency support and private sector initiatives, and an exhibition showcasing circularity-focused micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and social enterprises supported by the Plastic Reboot Philippines. Together, these activities highlighted the importance of collaboration across government, industry and communities to scale circular solutions and reduce plastic pollution.
Over the course of its implementation, Plastic Reboot Philippines and its partners aim to:
Strengthen the implementation and further development of enabling policies and regulations, including the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 (RA 11898) and regulations on Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products (NEAP) regulations, at national or local government levels.
Promote the avoidance and reduction of single-use plastics in the F&B sector by scaling reusable products and packaging, reuse systems and direct avoidance measures across the relevant sectors such as supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and other relevant businesses.
Support behavioral change and circular business models, while strengthening recycling capacity through EPR schemes and complementary support mechanisms.
By 2030, the initiative is designed to catalyze systemic change across the Philippines’ plastics value chain, by preventing waste generation, keeping materials in productive use for longer, strengthening material recovery and enabling sustainable and scalable business models.
“Plastic Reboot Philippines is a first-of-its-kind program bringing together upstream and midstream approaches to tackle plastic pollution at its source. With GEF support and strong engagement from government, industry and other partners, we have an opportunity to rethink how materials are designed, used and managed across the food and beverage value chain. Looking ahead, UNIDO’s ambition is to scale circular business models, mobilize new partnerships and investment, and help create the conditions for lasting transformation," shared Carmela Centeno, Chief, Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management Unit, Circular Economy and Green Industry Division, UNIDO.
To learn more about Plastic Reboot Philippines or explore partnership opportunities, visit the Plastic Reboot Philippines website or email plasticreboot@emb.gov.ph.
About DENR-EMB
The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-EMB) is the primary government bureau responsible for the implementation and enforcement of national environmental laws, industrial pollution control, and sustainable waste management policies in the Philippines. Learn more at: www.emb.gov.ph.
About UNIDO
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a mandate to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development. UNIDO supports countries and emerging economies in advancing sustainable industrialization, strengthening productive capacities and accelerating the transition towards more circular, resource-efficient and resilient economies.. Learn more at www.unido.org/.
About PCX Solutions
PCX Solutions is a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and build a future where no plastic ends up in nature. It works globally, representing all countries hard hit by plastic pollution. In partnership with governments, businesses, NGOs, local communities and the informal sector, the organisation tackles the plastic issue upstream and downstream. Learn more at www.pcxsolutions.org.
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