As sustainability regulations continue to strengthen across Southeast Asia, Mondelēz International is leveraging its expertise in plastic stewardship to contribute to broader environmental efforts in the region. The company recently joined its partner PCX Markets at the Sustainability in Packaging Asia event held in Singapore on June 5–6, where they shared their collaborative journey toward sustainability compliance and community engagement.
At the heart of these efforts is Mondelēz International’s global #SustainableSnacking strategy. This initiative aims to produce snacks more responsibly—by minimizing plastic packaging, designing recyclable materials, and supporting plastic recovery systems that deliver both environmental benefits and community upliftment.
Leading EPR Compliance in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Mondelēz International has emerged as a leader in implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, transforming regulatory compliance into a platform for meaningful sustainability initiatives. Through its partnership with PCX Markets, the company has not only fulfilled its recovery obligations but surpassed them—earning the Plastic Cleanup Partner (PCP) badge, a distinction for companies that exceed plastic recovery requirements under the EPR mandate.
“Our sustainability mission is two-fold: to make an impact where it matters most and to support change where it’s needed most,” said Caitlin Punzalan, Corporate and Government Affairs Lead for Mondelēz Philippines. “In the Philippines, this means translating global commitments into practical, verifiable action. Since 2023, we’ve consistently gone beyond the mandated 20–80% recovery range for post-consumer plastic packaging.”
Empowering Women Through the Aling Tindera Program
A shining example of the company’s community-led initiatives is the Aling Tindera program—a grassroots plastic collection network created in collaboration with PCX Markets and the non-profit Friends of Hope, which focuses on education, the environment, and agriculture.
“Through this initiative, women microentrepreneurs are trained to become sustainability champions in their neighborhoods,” said Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director of PCX Markets. “They collect plastic waste while earning extra income—helping both their families and their communities embrace more sustainable habits.”
One such advocate is Jackielyn “Aling Jack” Mitra, a 57-year-old former street sweeper in Brgy. BF Homes, Parañaque. With support from Mondelēz, her plastic collection site officially launched in November 2024. Since then, she has become a familiar face in the community, affectionately called “Aling Tindera” by neighbors wherever she goes.
“Nakilala nila ako kasi tuwing makikita ako kahit saang lugar, tinatawag nila akong ‘Aling Tindera’ eh,” she shared. (“They recognize me because whenever they see me, they call me ‘Aling Tindera.’”)
On any given day, Aling Jack receives donations of plastic waste from up to ten individuals, each contributing between three to ten kilograms. Residents drop off plastic as they go about their day—driving by, walking home, or even after attending church. Street sweepers from her area also contribute by turning over PET bottles collected during their shifts.
Sustainable Packaging for a Circular Future
Complementing these grassroots efforts is a strong packaging innovation strategy. By the end of 2024, 96% of Mondelēz International’s global packaging was designed to be recyclable. In key markets like the UK and Ireland, Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate wrappers now include up to 80% recycled plastic. The company is also targeting a 5% reduction in virgin plastic use by 2025, compared to 2020 levels.
“We believe in walking the talk when it comes to sustainability,” said Punzalan. “Our initiatives in the Philippines demonstrate that bold, data-backed, community-driven actions can deliver lasting results. We’re proud to produce snacks the right way—through circular packaging, community empowerment, and a shared commitment to a more sustainable future.”
For more information, visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter and Facebook
