Nestlé Philippines launches sachet recycling machine with Robinsons Supermarket
Key takeaways
- Nestlé Philippines, Restore Solutions, and Robinsons Supermarket have launched sachet RVMs in four stores.
- Consumers can exchange clean sachets for reward points through Smart Eco-llection Bins.
- The initiative aims to tackle sachet waste and promote circular economy practices in the Philippines.
Nestlé Philippines and Restore Solutions have partnered with Robinsons Supermarket to introduce reverse vending machines (RVM) for sachets into four of the retailer’s stores.
“This starts the value chain of circularity with Nestlé as the manufacturer, Robinsons Supermarket as the retailer, and Restore as the upcycler,” says Jose Uy III, senior vice president and head of corporate affairs at Nestlé Philippines.
“It’s not just about collection, but also about changing social behavior by providing a convenient and rewarding way for our consumers to participate in responsible waste management.”
Consumers can drop off clean and dry sachets at Smart Eco-llection Bins, earning Ecobin points, and can redeem rewards. The sachets are recycled into other materials, like furniture boards.
Plastic sachet waste
According to Paul Bayan, sustainability manager at Robinsons Supermarket, the retailer is the first in the country to introduce RVM’s for sachets in the Philippines.
“As retailers, we play a pivotal role in driving the transition toward a truly circular economy,” he adds.
Sachets, used for sauces and dips, are a common form of plastic pollution as they are hard to recycle, are produced in abundance, and are single-use. Recently, researchers from the University of Plymouth found that F&B plastic packaging is one of the most common sources of litter on the world’s coastlines.
In its 2025 Annual Report, Unilever stated that sachets are an “industry-wide challenge and a priority for Unilever.” However, Greenpeace USA’s global plastics campaign lead Graham Forbes told Packaging Insights that Unilever is “past due on delivering a clear sachet phase-out plan.”
Industry innovations to limit sachet pollution include compostable or paper-based alternatives.
Maricar Catubay, merchandising director at Robinsons Supermarket, concludes: “Through this program, our customers are empowered to shop for their needs while also helping protect the environment — something we can all agree is essential.”
