From Waste to Racks: MBC and Dow Philippines turn over
25 upcycled bike racks to Muntinlupa LGU

27 May 2024 – Representatives from the Makati Business Club and Dow Chemical Philippines, Inc. turned over twenty-five (25) bike racks to the City Government of Muntinlupa led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

“MBC and Dow Chemical collaborated to turn plastic waste into bike racks because of our mutual advocacy for sustainable transport and circular economy,” said MBC Chairman Edgar Chua. “Apart from reducing plastic waste, installing secure bike parking can reduce traffic congestion and help employees bike to work, and those for whom biking is work.”

The bike racks–produced by Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc.–are completely made from upcycled materials such as styrofoam, bubblewrap, sando bags, and non-recyclable and multi-layer packaging like sachets, candy wrappers, and foil packaging. Approximately 1,770 kg of plastic waste was recycled to manufacture 55 bike racks, with the City Government of Las Pinas as the other intended recipient of this initiative.

“This project reflects Dow’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. By transforming potential pollutants into community benefits, we are significantly reducing waste and promoting a healthier environment,” said Dow Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand Marketing Manager Arnold Benitez. “Celebrating Dow Philippines’ 60th anniversary, our ‘Together Towards Tomorrow’ theme emphasizes our dedication to a sustainable future through collaboration and innovation. This milestone highlights our enduring commitment to the Philippines and the importance of working together to achieve our shared goals.”

“Nagpapasalamat ang Muntinlupa at napili kaming maging beneficiary nitong programa dahil sinusulong din natin ang use of bicycles para mabawasan ang carbon emissions, bilang kontribusyon sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan,” Mayor Biazon said during the turnover ceremony.

Muntinlupa LGU turned over 50kg of plastic waste to support the production of the upcycled bike racks, an advocacy that was highlighted by Mayor Biazon, “Bahagi ito ng pagsulong natin sa circular economy kung saan ang ating waste materials ay nagagamit pa rin natin for other purposes, at nababawasan ang ating pollution sa environment,” the mayor added.

The bike racks will be installed at Cupang Health Center, Poblacion Health Center, Schools Division Office, Muntinlupa Business High School, Victoria Homes Elementary School, benefitting at least fifty (50) cyclists at a time.

Dow Chemical Philippines, Inc. is the main partner of the Upcycled Bike Racks project, under MBC’s Business for Biking Program. The program was launched in 2021 in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands and in 2022, with Shell Pilipinas Corporation.