Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Plastics

• Is there enough plastic in the Philippines for this business to thrive?
  • Yes! According to a report published by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) in 2017, the Philippines generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, making it the third largest plastic polluter of oceans in the world. In addition, a study conducted by the University of Georgia and the National Geographic Society estimated that the Philippines contributes 1.88 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste per year, which means plastic waste that is not properly disposed of, recycled, or incinerated.
• Aren’t there already businesses who used recycled plastic? How will you compete with them?
  • While it is true that there are already multiple business that we would need to compete with, our team is looking to utilize single-use sachets which from what we know is an open market.
• What are sachets?
  • Sachets are small packets or pouches that contain a single serving or a small amount of a product, such as shampoo, toothpaste, or coffee. They are often made of plastic and are designed to be convenient, affordable, and accessible for people with low incomes.
  • Sachets have become a popular packaging choice in the Philippines, especially in rural and urban poor areas, because they offer a low-cost alternative to buying in bulk. Many people in the country prefer to purchase products in sachets because they can be more affordable and accessible than larger packages. However, the widespread use of sachets has also contributed to the country’s plastic waste problem, as these single-use packets are often discarded improperly and can end up in the environment.
• How do you plan to source recycled plastic?
  • Our collection model has been narrowed down to the following ideas:
    • A community collection drop off where individuals bring their recyclable plastic  in exchange for other monetary goods.
    • Community donation from prospect schools or churches.
    • Street sweeping where individuals are paid to collect plastic off the streets and deliver to our facility.
• How can the contamination of paper in a mix of plastic affect its properties?
  • The mechanical strength of a material can be lowered when paper is mixed with plastic due to poor fiber bonding, degradation of the paper fibers, and the creation of non-uniformities in the material. To address this problem, we will be sorting the gathered plastic to insure there is at most 1% paper.
• How can water be collected for dry periods in the Philippines?
  • Our team is looking to utilize the technique of rainwater harvesting. This can be done by installing gutters and downspouts on rooftops to collect rainwater and channel it into storage containers, such as drums or cisterns. Plastic drums are a common and cost-effective option for rainwater storage. They come in various sizes and can be easily transported and stored.