As part of its broader strategy to reduce the use of virgin plastics and improve solutions for difficult-to-recycle flexible packaging, such as sachets, Unilever launched a new grant for enterprises that address plastic waste in the Philippines. 

In partnership with USAID and Ernst and Young Global Ltd (EY), Unilever has established the CIRCLE Alliance to provide grant funding to eligible enterprises in the Philippines and other countries in South and Southeast Asia. 

Uniliver said the program aims to foster innovations and improve practices in plastic waste collection, processing, and recycling.

The CIRCLE Alliance focuses on promoting women’s economic empowerment and improving livelihoods while also protecting the environment. The initiative seeks to accelerate the development of circular economies, which prioritize sustainability.

Rebecca Marmot, Unilever chief sustainability officer, said the CIRCLE model combines grant funding with tailored business support to scale effective solutions for packaging circularity. 

She noted the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can deliver impactful solutions but may lack the resources to grow.

Alongside the CIRCLE Alliance, Unilever continues its Misis Walastik (Wise on Plastic) program in Metro Manila and nearby areas that focuses on reducing plastic pollution through targeted strategies.

Rondell Torres, Philippines Sustainability Lead and Circle Alliance Lead for Southeast Asia, cited the increasing collaboration needed to address plastic waste. 

“With the Circle Alliance across Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, the

Philippines, and Vietnam, Unilever is putting its expertise and networks to help build a fair and

equitable circular economy for plastics in the Philippines and hopefully across Southeast Asia,”Torres said.

Organizations interested in applying for the CIRCLE Alliance grant can do so until Oct. 4, 2024.