In celebration of Zero Waste Month, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has partnered with Design Center Philippines (DCP) to promote the use of agricultural waste and overlook resources as raw materials through innovative design and continuous research.
This, as Legarda formally opens the Pinyapel Pulp exhibit at the Senate on Monday, January 22. The exhibit will run from January 22 to 25.
“This endeavor not only raises the bar for the design and value of Philippine products but also makes a meaningful contribution to the global movement advocating for environmentally friendly practices and a holistic approach to sustainable development – economic, cultural, social and environmental sustainability," Legarda said during her keynote speech.
"As we gather here during the Zero Waste Month of January, it's crucial to underscore Pinyapel's commitment to closing the waste loop through its quadruple bottom line approach to circular design, deeply rooted in the 'Malasakit' principle of the Design Center of the Philippines—an ethos that embraces compassionate environmental stewardship and sense of accountability towards protecting and preserving the country’s ecosystems," she stressed.
The special exhibit will also feature a total of 85 artisanal and industrial products to be used in various settings, utilizing semi-process materials such as Pinyapel pulp, bio-composite pellets, and pineapple fabric.
The exhibit also aims to open an investment opportunity in a Pinyapel pulp mill situated in the Northern Mindanao and SOCCSKSARGEN, which produces a yield of a total of 20 metric tons of material daily.
According to Legarda, two options will be presented – the aggressive and conservative, which both will help in the production of Pinyapel pulp.
Pinyapel production, she further said, supports the zero-waste lifestyle and helps empower Filipinos to adopt lifestyle changes and discourages the use of single-use plastic.
“Having closely collaborated with the Design Center of the Philippines on various projects, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of design in ensuring the competitiveness of our products,” Legarda said.
"With the inherent ingenuity of the Filipino people, we stand at the forefront of ushering in a new era of production and innovation, one that seamlessly aligns with our natural resources and biodiversity,” she stressed.