NORDIC embassies in Manila and Tetra Pak have launched an initiative aimed at encouraging and engaging Filipino youth to learn and lead in circular economy solutions.
The ‘Cartons for Communities and Nordic Waste Classification System’ program was activated in Pasig City’s elementary and high schools, as local government units (LGUs) seek to manage post-consumer waste, including food and beverage packaging.
Tetra Pak-a Swedish packaging solutions company-is stepping up its efforts through the program by partnering with schools, private communities, and LGUs to promote the segregation of used beverage cartons (UBCs) for recycling, while also supporting collection through local solid-waste management systems. These are recycled into boards that can be converted into useful everyday items such as chairs and tables.
Pinagbuhatan Elementary School, Pasig Elementary School, Eusebio High School, Pasig Science High School, and Rizal High School will take part in the pilot program. Each will receive collection bins made from recycled UBCs, where students can deposit rinsed and flattened cartons. Participating schools will also join an interschool competition to win prizes for the highest volume collected, with students earning incentives for their contributions.
Science of recycling
AT the launch event, students and teachers learned the science behind Tetra Pak’s food and beverage packaging, as well as the complete recycling processes. These cartons are made of 70 percent paperboard, 25 percent plastic, and 5 percent aluminium, and are recyclable.
Mayor Victor Ma. Regis ‘Vico’ Sotto addressed the students and discussed the reason trash must be kept off the streets: to prevent clogging sewage and drainage systems, therefore helping lessen the flooding of alleyways and inner roads.
Sotto noted that while the local government plays a major role in keeping the city clean, citizens also have an important part, starting with schools and children.
In Sweden, children learn about waste segregation and recycling at an early age at home, shared Ambassador Anna Ferry: ‘This continues in preschool and grade school, where they are taught about the deposit-return system for cans and bottles.’
Ferry explained that ‘this project with Tetra Pak is similar, and a great start to learn about the circular economy model.’
For Tetra Pak Philippines Packaging Portfolio Director and Site Manager Albert del Fonso, ‘we believe that empowering the next generation is key to building a more sustainable future. Through the Cartons for Communities program, we are proud to work alongside the Nordic Embassies and Pasig City to help students become champions of the circular economy. By learning how to recycle and upcycle used beverage cartons, these young leaders are not only protecting the environment-they’re shaping a culture of sustainability in their schools and communities.’
‘Most innovative’
THE Cartons for Communities and Nordic Waste Classification project with Pasig City is supported by the Nordic Initiative on Circular Economy. The Nordic region, represented by the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish Embassies in Manila, is home to the most innovative circular economy solutions. In 2024, the embassies signed a memorandum of understanding with Pasig City to support the local government’s transition to a circular economy.
In April and May, city government representatives also participated in a study visit to Denmark and Sweden for benchmarking best practices on circular economy.