OPINION PIECE:
2.7 million tons of plastic are discarded annually in the Philippines (Climate Change Commission 2024). Where are these plastics going to end up? There are only 3 options – and none of them are going to benefit you. Whether these plastics end up in landfills, are burned, or are openly dumped, they will persist in the environment for generations, hurting the environment, your family, and you along the way.
Traveling with Lehigh University and in partnership with UP Diliman, the AgriWrap team has met with leading scientists, professionals, and industry leaders to learn about the breadth of this problem in Metro Manila. At PlastiCon 2025, leaders came together and shared their knowledge, breaking down plastics and the extent to which their micro-products have infiltrated our world, which, to no one’s surprise, is quite substantial.
Plastics, however, begin harming the environment and industrial system long before they break down. The team experienced this firsthand in Manila, where plastic-clogged sewer drains exacerbate flooding. The effects of these floods can be catastrophic, causing economic damage, displacing people from their homes, and occasionally resulting in injuries or death. These are issues that need to be addressed before they worsen.
Alternative materials such as AgriWrap’s bioplastic offer a solution to these mounting problems. As a biodegradable material, AgriWrap’s products are a much greener option for consumers. Even if disposed of improperly, the materials will break down within months without harming the environment. A process that is accelerated by exposure to water, meaning no more plastic buildup in the sewer drains.
It is critical that, as consumers, we demand change. Stop supporting companies and industries that produce and dispose of large quantities of waste, and instead invest in and support companies that use sustainable practices. You will have to pay a premium for some of the time, but the best way to make your voice heard is with your wallet. In our experience, conversing with business owners in Manila, we’ve heard that they also want to make the switch to more eco-friendly products. They are hesitant, though, because of the price increase. Show the businesses that you are interested, and they will begin to shift towards sustainable options, making these options more accessible all around.
When you make a purchase, consider what you are buying, how it is presented, and how it is wrapped. Let sustainability become a factor in all aspects of your purchasing decisions to help move the industry toward a sustainable future.
For business owners and decision makers who are also reading this piece, switching over now will put your business ahead of the curve. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll also be ahead of an inevitable change. Seize this opportunity to gain a competitive advantage over your competitors and differentiate yourself. Grow a loyal customer base, and in 10 years from now, when all of this is mandatory, you’ll be able to say you’ve been doing it for a decade.
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