Creating a Waste-Free Future, One Circular Solution at a Time SM Supermalls continues to strengthen environmental stewardship by embedding circular practices across its operations and communities.

　　MANILA, Philippines — A waste-free future starts with recognizing that waste is not the end of a product's journey, but the beginning of its next life. By embracing circular systems that prioritize reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery, communities can keep valuable resources in circulation, reduce landfill waste, and create lasting environmental impact. 

　　SM Supermalls brings this vision to life through SM Waste-Free Future, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) flagship program for waste circularity. Through innovative in-mall programs, customer engagement, and collaborative partnerships, SM Supermalls is helping build a culture where waste is viewed as a resource and circularity becomes a shared responsibility。

　　“Creating a circular economy means that recycling and waste management programs must be deeply embedded into our operations,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance. “This approach ensures our customers also play a significant role in building a greener and healthier future. Guided by the SM Green Movement we are committed to creating meaningful impact and long-term value for our surrounding communities。” 

　　In all SM malls are strategically located bins for Recyclable-Disposable-Compostable (RDC) waste.  The RDC segregation system empowers mallgoers to properly sort their waste.  The 15 waste drop-off sites under the SM Plastic Waste Collection Program, also provide communities with accessible avenues for responsible waste disposal and recycling. 

　　Beyond its in-mall initiatives, SM Supermalls collaborates closely with corporate partners, tenants, and sustainability advocates who share its vision of a waste-free future, advancing innovative solutions that strengthen circularity and resource recovery across communities。

　　“Our partnerships with other businesses are essential, so we can further scale our efforts, create more innovative solutions, and strengthen our circular practices,” said Silerio。

　　Earlier this year, SM Supermalls, together with global clean technology company Sparklo, launched the SM Green Recycling Machine (GRM). The collaboration introduces the reverse vending machine technology in the Philippines for the first time, allowing mallgoers to recycle PET plastic bottles in an interactive, innovative way.  

　　SM Supermalls President Steven Tan tests the Sparklo reverse vending machine, underscoring SM’s commitment to empowering communities to build everyday recycling habits。

　　SM's Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program, done in partnership with telecommunications companies PLDT & Smart, features special e-waste collection bins in all SM Cyberzone, where mallgoers can drop off their old, broken, or unused gadgets. Through a partnership with ChopValue Philippines, SM upcycles single-use bamboo chopsticks into furniture and other accessories, giving second life to disposable waste. 

　　Beyond these daily initiatives, SM Supermalls brings the community together in a massive collective action to divert waste from oceans and waterways.  Regarded as the largest simultaneous coastal cleanup, SM Supermalls’ recent International Coastal Cleanup drive collected 228,000 kg of waste nationwide with the help of over 56,000 volunteers across 32 SM Supermalls. 

　　Demonstrating the power of bayanihan, volunteers worked side by side to protect marine biodiversity and strengthen environmental stewardship for future generations. This is the SM Green Movement in action, empowering communities to create lasting impacts。