The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has partnered with Plastic Flamingo Philippines, Inc. (PLAF) to convert its collected plastic waste into sustainable construction materials and eco-friendly furniture, reinforcing its Race to Zero Waste campaign.

The initiative, formalized through a memorandum of agreement, supports Meralco’s broader efforts to embed sustainability across its operations and promote circular economy practices.

“Proper waste management is only the beginning. Real sustainability is finding ways to convert waste into something that benefits both the environment and the communities around us,” said Jerry B. Lao, Meralco Vice President and Head of Facilities and Safety Management.

PLAF is a French-founded social enterprise that upcycles plastic waste into building materials while helping mitigate marine pollution. Its partnership with Meralco aims to divert plastic from landfills and oceans.

“With PLAF’s help, we are turning our plastic waste into useful materials—diverting them away from landfills and oceans, and contributing to a circular economy,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Krisha G. Rubia, PLAF Partnerships and Operations Manager, echoed the importance of the collaboration: “By working together, we are setting an example of how corporations can lead the way in environmental stewardship and fostering circular economy practices.”

The effort forms part of Meralco’s Race to Zero Waste program, which began in 2020. The initiative builds on earlier successes, including a company-wide ban on single-use plastics introduced in 2019. According to Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo, this drove their waste diversion rate from a baseline of 17% to 95% today.

“This partnership with PLAF builds on that achievement, translating our sustainability efforts into real, measurable, and meaningful impact for both people and the planet,” Ravelo said.

Meralco’s overarching sustainability agenda, *Powering the Good Life*, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is anchored on four pillars: Power, Planet, People, and Prosperity.

“More than just a program, Race to Zero is a movement within our company—one that challenges how we manage our waste, how we consume, and how we can be more mindful stewards of the environment,” Aperocho added.

Do you think this partnership is the future of corporate sustainability in action? Let us know what you think.

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