What if something as ordinary as paper could spark extraordinary change? At Paperception 2025, leaders from the creative, academic, printing, and packaging industries proved that it can. Held recently at the AIM Conference Center and hosted by Prestige Paper Products, the event reimagined paper not just as a daily necessity, but as a powerful metaphor for fresh ideas, creativity, and sustainable living.
Paper as a Catalyst for Change
Opening the event, key industry voices—Albert See of the Printing Association of the Philippines, Vicky Tan of Global Compact Network Philippines and Ayala Corporation, and Cristy Oreta of the Philippine Marketing Association—delivered a unifying message: sustainability begins with all of us, and it can start with something as simple as paper.
From the private sector, Ruth Toreno of Fedrigoni Specialty Papers shared how their operations embrace carbon reduction, circular design, and eco-certifications. On the government side, Mary Joy Paico from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) presented research on sustainable packaging, including innovations that use pineapple fibers and other biodegradable materials—a practice with clear benefits for local farmers and eco-conscious brands.
Sustainability in Design: Creativity with Purpose
In the first panel discussion, Jos Ortega of Havas Ortega stressed that sustainability isn’t a limit—it’s a creative accelerator.
“Sustainable design is about reducing harm while innovating. It’s about telling stories of stewardship and hope,” Ortega shared.
Panelists Ara Bella Castillo (PMG), Joy Paico (DOST), and illustrator Liza Flores (Studio Dialogo) agreed that the design world holds immense influence in shaping consumer habits. Topics ranged from reducing packaging waste to integrating authentic sustainability messaging, balancing innovation with cost, and using technology like AI responsibly.
Education Meets Industry: Training the Next Green Leaders
The second panel highlighted a growing challenge: according to a 2023 LinkedIn report, demand for sustainability skills is outpacing the supply of qualified professionals.
Educators Aazin Carl Sumalinog (National University), Romeo Catap Jr. (College of St. Benilde), Greg Borja (San Beda University), and Dulzzi Gutierrez (Mint College) discussed how schools are embedding sustainability in their curricula. This includes teaching students to assess product life cycles, reduce carbon footprints, and create user-centered designs.
Catap called on industry leaders to actively collaborate with academia:
“Include the learners. The sleeping giants are in our classrooms.”
Panelists emphasized that partnerships between schools and companies are essential to prepare graduates for real-world sustainability roles.
A Collective Mission
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Paperception 2025 was more than a conference—it was a bridge between creativity, business, and education. It closed with a resounding takeaway: sustainability is not a solo act, but a shared responsibility.
If Filipino businesses, schools, and communities work together, the humble sheet of paper could become the blueprint for a greener, more innovative future.