{"id":9962,"date":"2020-08-21T22:42:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-21T14:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/philippines\/?p=9962"},"modified":"2021-08-04T17:47:35","modified_gmt":"2021-08-04T09:47:35","slug":"greenpeace-to-nestle-phase-out-sachets-not-just-plastic-straws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/philippines\/press\/9962\/greenpeace-to-nestle-phase-out-sachets-not-just-plastic-straws\/","title":{"rendered":"Greenpeace to Nestle: Phase out sachets, not just straws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Quezon City, Philippines, August 21, 2020 <\/em>\u2014 <\/strong>Environmental organization Greenpeace Philippines called on consumer goods companies to be accountable for the waste they produce and eliminate all types of single-use packaging, rather than substituting one single-use material for another. <\/p>\n\n

\"Activists
FILE PHOTO: A serpent-like plastic monster is accompanied by environmental activists carrying placards as they troop to Nestle\u2019s Philippine headquarters in Makati City, demanding accountability for its role in abetting the country\u2019s plastic pollution crisis . Nestle was named one of the worst plastic polluters after cleanups and brand audits of plastic waste around the world in 2018.
\u00a9 Basilio H. Sepe \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

The call came following Nestle Philippines\u2019 announcement that it will switch to paper straws for its ready-to-drink products to eliminate 130 metric tons of plastic straws by year-end. The volume is relatively negligible in comparison to the amount of waste generated by Nestle products each year, especially single-use sachets and packaging. The company has consistently been among the top corporate plastic polluters in global brand audit reports.[1] <\/sup><\/p>\n\n

\u201cSimply focusing on a small portion of the waste their products leave behind is unacceptable. Nestle\u2019s plan still generates tons of waste and only swaps plastics with equally disposable substitutes. These are the kind of false solutions that distract us from the real source of the problem: the promotion of a throw-away culture that puts profit over people and planet,\u201d said Greenpeace Philippines Campaigner Marian Ledesma.<\/p>\n\n

The organization is challenging the labeling of paper products as \u201crecyclable,\u201d which takes accountability and responsibility away from companies like Nestle that have the resources to redesign their packaging and delivery beyond just disposable straws and transition to \u201cbetter normal\u201d business models, such as reuse and refill systems.<\/p>\n\n

With recycling systems in countries failing to produce paper fibers of good quality, the majority of these paper-based alternatives end up in landfills. Greenpeace\u2019s report on false solutions[2]<\/sup> noted that numerous expos\u00e9s have demonstrated that recycling systems have failed to recover enough material to reduce demand for virgin plastic or to ensure proper disposal.[3]<\/sup> This and other problems in waste management are why reduction of plastic waste at source, through phase outs of disposables and a national ban on single-use plastic, is a more effective approach.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cIf Nestle is earnest in its announcement to work toward a waste-free future, they should instead present an immediate and committed plan to phase out all types of single-use plastic and disposables in their products and packaging. They should replace all their sachets with reuse and refill systems in their retail operations to benefit consumers, especially those with little disposable income. Smaller businesses are already doing it. Focusing on straws is just another way for Nestle to greenwash current broken systems,\u201d Ledesma said.<\/p>\n\n

Greenpeace is strongly calling on the country\u2019s top brands, including Nestle, to take a cue from local enterprises  that have implemented effective and practical zero-waste modes of product delivery and packaging in recent years.[4] <\/sup>Post-pandemic, fast moving consumer goods companies that produce single use plastic waste  need to adapt their systems for a waste-free better normal in the Philippines. <\/p>\n\n

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Notes to editors: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

[1]<\/sup> Brand Audit reports:<\/p>\n\n