Plastic Bank is empowering the world to stop ocean plastic. It builds ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities and reprocesses the materials for reintroduction into the global manufacturing supply chain. Plastic Bank’s collectors receive a bonus for the plastic they collect, providing an increased income they can count on. This recycled material is called “Social Plastic” because it provides both an environmental and social benefit. Greiner Packaging has committed to supporting the activation of five collection points in Manila, Philippines.
Greiner Packaging
Greiner Packaging partners with Plastic Bank
Manfred Stanek: "We’ve made it our mission to preserve our world for future generations."
Asian countries are seeing a massive accumulation of ocean waste due to a lack of functioning waste management systems. The Philippines is the world’s third-largest producer of plastic waste, after China and Indonesia. Experts believe that the country’s Pasig River is alone responsible for introducing nearly 64,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste into the ocean every year.
Manfred Stanek, CEO of Greiner Packaging, said: “We are a family business. As such, we’ve made it our mission to preserve our world for future generations. This is a very ambitious goal, of course, and we’re doing everything we can to help achieve it.
“Collecting plastic refuse combats poverty in addition to cleaning up the environment and making a key contribution toward a circular economy. Our shared goal is to prevent plastic from flowing into the oceans while lifting people out of poverty.”
Plastic Bank collectors no longer see plastic as waste, but rather as a valuable resource. By providing access to increased income, educational opportunities, and necessities, Plastic Bank is empowering disenfranchised communities to build a better future – not just in the Philippines, but also in Haiti, Indonesia, Brazil and Egypt.
Gidget Velez, Plastic Bank’s Philippines Country Manager, added: “We’re happy to be partnering with Greiner Packaging because the company is aware of the gravity of the situation and is committed to working together to empower communities to stop ocean plastic. Plastic Bank is making a difference and building a regenerative economy.”
Greiner Packaging has also been involved in the UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation since 2016, through which it is supporting the transition to a circular economy.