DTI, Jollibee partner to cut plastic waste

Officials from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Jollibee Foods Corp. signed on March 5 the memorandum of understanding for the sustainability program “Bee Earth’s Best Friend,” an initiative which incentivizes customers to minimize plastic use. (Photo by Alden Monzon)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has partnered with Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) to support the fast-food giant’s sustainability initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste.

The agreement was formalized on Wednesday through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between both parties.

Under the partnership, DTI will help advance Jollibee’s “Bee Earth’s Best Friend” program, which incentivizes customers to minimize plastic use.

Through a coupon-based system, customers who opt out of using plastic utensils will earn stamps, which can later be redeemed for free food and drinks.

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JFC will issue 120,000 free coupons, which can be used in Jollibee stores in South Luzon.

The company said 280 stores would be participating in regions IV-A, IV-B and V.

“It is our duty to protect the interests of Filipino consumers, ensuring that their rights are upheld while also guiding them toward informed, ethical, and sustainable consumption,” Trade Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona said in her speech during the signing ceremony at the DTI’s head office in Makati.

“Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering consumers to make choices that are both practical and planet-friendly.

Meanwhile, JFC assistant vice president for trade marketing group Eloise Anne Siccion said they wanted to create better consumer habits and to promote a healthier environment.

“It’s a campaign because what we’re trying to promote is really long-term and changing habits. And I can only imagine the sustainable footprint that we are achieving together,” Siccion said.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the country produces as much as 61,000 metric tons of solid waste every day, a significant volume of which is plastic packaging.