Nestlé, Robinsons pilot circular system for sachet waste

NESTLÉ Philippines, Inc., Robinsons Supermarket, and Restore Solutions PH are piloting a retail-based sachet recovery system through the installation of reverse vending machines in select stores as companies step up efforts to improve plastic waste collection and circularity initiatives.

In a statement on Tuesday, Nestlé Philippines said the three companies are deploying 10 reverse vending machines, or Smart Eco-llection Bins (SEBs), across selected Robinsons Supermarket branches in Metro Manila.

The initiative aims to establish a collection and recycling system for sachets, which are among the most widely used, but difficult-to-recycle, forms of plastic packaging in the Philippines.

“This starts the value chain of circularity with Nestlé as the manufacturer, Robinsons Supermarket as the retailer, and Restore as the upcycler,” said José T. Uy III, head of corporate affairs at Nestlé Philippines.

“And it’s not just about collection, but also about changing social behavior by providing a convenient and rewarding way for our consumers to participate in responsible waste management,” he added.

Under the program, consumers can deposit clean and dry sachets into the machines in exchange for points and rewards through the Ecobin Portal.

Collected sachets will be processed by Restore Solutions PH and converted into “Restore Boards,” which are used to manufacture furniture such as chairs and benches.

The machines will initially be installed in Robinsons Supermarket branches at Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Townville Regalado in Quezon City, Robinsons Place Ermita in Manila, and Robinsons Metroeast in Pasig.

Nestlé Philippines said the initiative supports its broader circular economy, net-zero, and extended producer responsibility commitments.

The company added that additional locations are planned as part of efforts to scale the collection system further.

Flexible plastics such as sachets remain a major waste management challenge in the Philippines because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and difficult to recycle through traditional municipal waste systems.

For Robinsons Supermarket, the initiative marks the first deployment of reverse vending machines in a major supermarket chain in the Philippines.

“We are proud to be the retail partner of choice for this,” Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. Sustainability Manager Paul Bayan said.

“As retailers, we play a pivotal role in advocating for waste management and driving the transition toward a truly circular economy,” he added. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales