Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has become one of the biggest topics in sustainability as Southeast Asian countries work to improve waste management and build a more circular economy. At the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 in Cebu, Coca-Cola Philippines shared its perspective on how EPR policies can move beyond legislation and create meaningful environmental impact through effective implementation.
Held in Cebu, the regional summit gathered government officials, business leaders, development organizations, and sustainability advocates to exchange ideas on tackling environmental and economic challenges facing ASEAN. Organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the event also supported the Philippines' role as ASEAN Chair.
Coca-Cola Philippines Shares Insights on Effective EPR Implementation
As both a summit sponsor and speaker, Coca-Cola Philippines took part in the flagship session titled "Making Circularity Work: Scaling Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in ASEAN." The discussion focused on how countries can successfully translate EPR policies into practical systems that deliver measurable results.
Representing the company, Antonio "Tony" Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines, joined government representatives, ASEAN institutions, and civil society leaders to discuss the realities of implementing EPR programs across the region.
According to Del Rosario, successful EPR systems require more than policy creation. They also depend on collaboration and practical execution.
"EPR systems work best when design, enforcement, and on-the-ground realities are aligned. That requires coordination across government, industry, and waste management stakeholders."
Building a Circular Economy Requires Collaboration
During the panel discussion, Coca-Cola Philippines outlined several factors that can strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility programs across ASEAN.
These include:
- Clear and enforceable EPR regulations
- Strong alignment between policies and local collection and recycling infrastructure
- Greater inclusion of informal waste workers within recycling and recovery systems
- Incentives that encourage recycled material use and investments in recycling infrastructure
Speakers throughout the summit echoed the importance of collaboration among governments, businesses, financial institutions, waste management organizations, and local communities. They also recognized that ASEAN countries face different levels of infrastructure development, making flexible and locally relevant EPR approaches essential.
Local Sustainability Programs Support Circularity Goals
As part of the discussion, Coca-Cola Philippines highlighted several sustainability initiatives that support waste collection and recycling in the country.
One example is Tapon to Ipon, a nationwide collection initiative that now operates through more than 6,000 community drop-off points across the Philippines. The program encourages proper waste segregation while helping recover recyclable materials from communities.
The company also shared how the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines supports programs that engage informal waste workers, recognizing their valuable contribution to the country's recycling ecosystem and helping create more inclusive recovery systems.
PETValue Philippines Strengthens Local Recycling Capacity
Another example presented during the summit was PETValue Philippines, the country's first bottle-to-bottle PET recycling facility.
Established through a joint venture between Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines and Indorama Ventures, the facility demonstrates how private sector investments can strengthen domestic recycling capabilities and support the country's circular economy ambitions.
Projects like PETValue help transform used PET plastic bottles into new food-grade packaging, reducing dependence on virgin plastic while expanding local recycling infrastructure.
Sustainability Progress Depends on Consistent Action
One of the key messages that emerged from the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit was that effective EPR implementation requires more than regulations alone. Consistent policy enforcement, investment-friendly environments, knowledge sharing, and cooperation across countries all play important roles in building long-term sustainability.
As Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks continue to evolve throughout Southeast Asia, Coca-Cola Philippines said it remains committed to working with government agencies, industry partners, and local communities to support practical, scalable recycling solutions.
Creating a circular economy is a long-term effort, but conversations like those held in Cebu highlight how collaboration between the public and private sectors can help turn sustainability goals into measurable action that benefits both communities and the environment.