DENR cites SM for group-wide efforts on plastic recovery and waste management

“This award is a credit to every part of the SM group, and we're very grateful to receive it. From our retail business, to our banks and logistics companies, they have been reducing their plastic footprints in their packaging and influencing consumer behavior to use less plastic. When we look at plastics, which is a significant problem in the Philippines, we have looked to take quite a range of actions across the group. But what they have in common is that they are very practical, they are commercially viable initiatives, and they all have actual meaningful differences that we make to the plastics problem.” ~Timothy Daniels, SM Investments Corporation Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability

(From left to right) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Atty. Jonas Leones; DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla; SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Waste Management and Sustainability Solutions and SM GUUN President George Cheung; SM Investments Corporation Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability Timothy Daniels; SM Retail, Inc. Vice President for Sustainability Suyin Liu; Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) President Engr. Jess G. Reyes; DENR Assistant Secretary for Environment and concurrent Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Jacqueline A. Caancan.

DENR cites SM for group-wide efforts on plastic recovery and waste management

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recognized the SM Group for its support of the Extended Producer Responsibility Program (EPR), which aims to reduce plastic use, recover plastic packaging, and develop on-ground waste systems across its numerous business divisions. 

In a recently concluded event on January 30, 2026, the DENR emphasized SM's coordinated group approach that went beyond compliance with Republic Act No. 11898, also known as the EPR Law of 2022, particularly in "advancing recovery, reduction, innovation, and inclusive circular economy practices that support the national Zero Waste to Nature agenda."

At their first waste processing facility in Consolacion, Cebu, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., the property division of SM, has partnered with Guun Co., Ltd., a Japanese trash processing company, to turn waste into new materials as part of their #SMWasteFreeFuture program. 

To promote the growth of waste conversion, SM has installed RDC-labeled (recyclable, disposable, compostable) bins at a number of SM facilities nationwide. Among the recyclables that are processed and sent to the proper recycling facilities are paper, bottles, and cans. Meanwhile, waste materials such as straws, cups, and rags are converted into alternative fuel for cement kilns. Compostables, or food scraps, can be turned into landscaping soil in less than 48 hours.

“GUUN is a collaboration across the Group that ensures consumption or waste is not the end of the economic cycle.” ~George Cheung, SM GUUN President who is also concurrently SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Waste Management and Sustainability Solutions

By integrating many initiatives from SM's network of companies into a unified system, the #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign highlights SM's commitment to environmental stewardship and fosters sustainable communities.  

With their long-running Trash-to-Cash (TTC) recycling market, which takes place monthly at SM malls across the nation and enables customers to exchange recyclables like paper, plastic, metal, or even appliances for cash, other SM businesses, like SM Supermalls, are still at the forefront of this effort. Thanks to TTC, more than 1.5 million kg of recyclables are traded every year. Customers can also find the e-waste collection containers in Cyberzone areas and the plastic garbage collection vehicles at 15 malls.

More eco-friendly retail practices have also been introduced since 2007 by SM Markets, the SM Group's umbrella brand for SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore. The company has promoted eco-bags over single-use plastics. In 2025 alone, SM Markets sold 20.8 million Green Bags, saving more than 31.2 million plastic bags.

About SM Investments Corporation  

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy. 

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank. 

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com  

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com  

In celebration of World Oceans Day 2025

“The oceans sustain us every day, and now it's our turn to give back. This coastal cleanup isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a symbol of our shared duty to preserve biodiversity and inspire action for a sustainable future, while bringing lasting positive impacts to the community by advancing healthier coastal spaces, and uniting people through shared environmental action.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment

With gloves on and bags in hand, volunteers at SM City Lucena take part in SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup drive, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation.

On June 7, more than 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life came together to participate in a large statewide coastal cleaning organized by SM Cares, SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility division, in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.  Collectively, they removed an astounding 30,000 kilograms of trash from shorelines across the Philippines, demonstrating the positive effects that can occur when a community pulls together.

With gloves, sacks, and a shared mission: to protect the oceans that give us life, volunteers flocked to the coasts of Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in support of this year's theme,“WONDER: Sustaining What Sustains Us.”

Beyond fostering community collaboration and promoting environmental responsibility, SM Cares’ coastal cleanup initiative played a vital role in cultivating healthier environment, enhancing the overall quality of life for local residents, and contributing to the long-term preservation of marine ecosystems.

Volunteers from SM City Manila assemble at the coastal cleanup site to remove marine waste and protect vital waterways in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

Stepping up for a cleaner tomorrow, volunteers from SM City San Lazaro join the coastal cleanup drive---picking up trash and protecting our shores, one piece at a time.

Employee volunteers from SM Center Dagupan take action for the environment during the coastal cleanup drive, shoveling sand and debris to help restore the shoreline.

SM City Iloilo volunteers join hands with the local community of Brgy. Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo in a coastal cleanup drive, working together to preserve the shoreline and promote environmental sustainability.

SM City Davao volunteers are out on the shore, turning dedication into action as they clean up the coast and care for the planet.

Beaming with pride, volunteers at SM City CDO Uptown and Downtown hold up the coastal cleanup banner, standing united as ocean defenders in celebration of World Oceans Day 2025.

A National Movement for the Seas

A wide range of ocean defenders participated in the cleanup, including instructors, students, LGUs, staff, security and janitorial teams, and NGO partners.  In order to organize cleanups at a number of significant locations across the country, SM Cares collaborated closely with local government entities, environmental NGOs, youth organizations, and coastal barangays.

In addition to guaranteeing the initiative's success, these partnerships demonstrated the effectiveness of inclusive, community-driven action.  In order to clear tons of trash from shorelines, promote marine conservation, and encourage long-term behavioral changes toward environmental care, volunteers came together.

Students, teachers, and partner organizations join forces with SM Cares during the Coastal Cleanup drive—demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Demonstrating sustained commitment to protecting the environment, SM employee volunteers return to SM by the Bay to help protect the shoreline.

Building an #SMWasteFreeFuture

The June 7 cleanup is part of SM Cares’ broader sustainability vision through its #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, which also includes weekly cleanups at SM by the BAY. 

This May 2025, SM employee-led cleanups have mobilized a total of 279 volunteers, collecting over 4,493 kilograms of waste—highlighting their firm commitment to keeping our coasts clean on a weekly basis. These sustained efforts contributed to creating a safer, more enjoyable coastal spaces for customers, while encouraging a stronger culture of environmental volunteerism.

By actively lowering marine pollution and preserving ocean habitats, SM Cares' Coastal Cleanup also promotes and aligns with a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, most notably SDG 14: Life Below Water.  Additionally, it supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through its cooperation with LGUs, NGOs, schools, and communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action by fostering community-led climate resilience and increasing environmental awareness.

With two more major cleanups planned for the year, SM Cares remains determined in its mission to inspire Filipinos to take action—one shoreline at a time. For more stories and updates on how you can be part of the movement, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow @OfficialSMCares on social media. 

Empowered to Protect: April Coastal Cleanups

Volunteers from SM Supermalls—including employees, customer relations staff, and janitorial personnel—come together after a successful coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay, united by a shared commitment to protecting our oceans and building a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

SM By the BAY Empowers 272 Volunteers to Clean Over a Ton of Trash in April Coastal Cleanup Drive.  True to its commitment to environmental stewardship, SM By the Bay organized 272 workers and volunteers to collect 1,147 kg of rubbish throughout the month of April as part of its weekly coastal cleanup operations.

The company's appeal for community-driven, communal action was reinforced by the weekly cleanliness drives along the Manila Bay shoreline, which were conducted by SM employees, customer relations staff, and custodial staff.  In addition to bringing back the natural beauty of the shoreline, the project promoted environmental responsibility and ocean protection.

The campaign is still in favor of the UN Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water, which places a strong emphasis on preventing pollution and deterioration of marine life and coastal habitats.  Efforts like this show that sustained community involvement may have a lasting effect, especially as plastic and debris continue to endanger ocean biodiversity.

SM volunteers in action during the April coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay, working together to remove marine debris and protect our shoreline—one bag at a time.

Over a ton of trash collected by SM volunteers during the April 2025 coastal cleanup at SM By the Bay—each bag a step closer to a cleaner, healthier marine environment.

Participants from SM Supermalls take part in the April cleanup at SM By the Bay, showing that teamwork and purpose go a long way in protecting coastal communities.

Step by step, bag by bag—SM employees move with purpose along the SM By the Bay, turning their mornings into a meaningful mission for the environment.

Through a spirit of volunteerism and purpose, the initiative also promoted camaraderie among SM stakeholders, who worked together toward a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

To sustain this momentum, SM Cares is inviting the public to join the upcoming Coastal Cleanup in celebration of World Oceans Day on June 7, 2025.

Participating malls include:

SM By the Bay, SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Rosario, SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM City CDO Downtown, SM City Tanza, SM City Lucena, and SM Center Dagupan.

Let’s continue making every bag of collected trash count—because caring for the Earth begins with our shores.

7 Ways SM Supermalls is Making Earth Day, Every Day

"Our malls are more than shopping destinations—they’re spaces where people and the planet can thrive together, Through programs that are easy to join, SM makes it possible for every visitor to take part in a more sustainable future." ~Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment

SM Supermalls is still an advocate for the idea that sustainability is a way of life rather than a one-time commitment.  SM encourages everyone to take part in small, daily acts that have a significant impact on the environment in honor of Earth Day 2025.  Through community involvement, eco-friendly infrastructure, and creative initiatives, SM's malls have emerged as premier hubs for greener living.

Here are 7 sustainable ways SM is turning its pledge into everyday impact—and how you can take part:

1. Plug in Your EV—for Free

With 123 EV charging stations across 69 malls, SM has disbursed over 14,500 kWh of clean electricity to electric vehicle users, with 50 more chargers planned in 2025. It’s free, easy to access, and part of SM’s commitment to low-emission mobility.

An electric vehicle charges at SM North EDSA’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station—one of 123 across 69 SM Supermalls nationwide.

2. Walk into Solar-Powered Spaces

SM currently operates 47 malls and properties with solar installations, generating 27.6 GWh of clean energy in 2024 alone—the equivalent of removing over 4,100 cars off the road. With a goal of 100MWp rooftop solar capacity by 2027, more solar rollouts are planned for 2025.

SM City Tanza powers up with 2,286 solar panels, generating a peak capacity of 1,257.30 kW—part of SM Supermalls' commitment to clean and sustainable energy.

3. Experience Greener Malls with Natural Lighting

From Sky Gardens and skylights that allow natural light to brighten spaces and reduce electricity use, to LED lighting and motion sensor escalators, every corner of the mall is designed with energy efficiency in mind. SM also contributes 110 MW of capacity to the DOE’s Interruptible Load Program.

Natural light streams through the skylights of SM Supermalls, helping reduce electricity consumption while creating a bright, welcoming space.

4. Support a Waste-Free Future

Launched in 2023, SM’s #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign enforces proper waste segregation across all mall tenants through RDC (Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable) bin systems. Internally, SM is also building a culture of sustainability among employees, proving that change starts from within.

SM employees lead by example as they properly segregate waste using the RDC (Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable) bin system—showing that building a #SMWasteFreeFuture starts from within.

5. Turn Trash into Treasure at Trash-to-Cash

Held every first Friday and Saturday of the month, this recycling market has helped exchange over 1 million kilograms of recyclables annually across SM malls nationwide. Visitors can bring paper, plastic, metal, or even old appliances—and exchange them for cash.

Students weighs recyclables during SM Cares’ Trash to Cash, showing that small actions can lead to a greener future.

6. Recycle Smarter with Plastic and E-Waste Collection

Drop off used plastics at 15 participating SM malls and e-waste bins at Cyberzone areas nationwide. So far, these programs have diverted 63,874 kg of plastics and over 11,000 kg of e-waste from landfills—thanks to partnerships with Friends of Hope and Smart/PLDT.

Mall customers drop off used plastic wastes at SM's Plastic Collection Program—proving that small actions can lead to a cleaner, greener future for all.

Unused and damaged electronic items are being let go through SM’s E-Waste Collection located at Cyberzone.

7. Join Coastal Cleanups that Protect Our Seas

In 2024, over 27,000 volunteers across 15 SM malls helped collect more than 157,000 kg of trash from coastlines and waterways. SM also initiates weekly and quarterly coastal cleanups, proving that when communities work together, the ripple effect reaches far and wide.

SM Bataan employee volunteers during the International Coastal Cleanup, working together to help protect our oceans.

From recycling programs to coastal cleanups, solar panels to EV charging stations, every small act adds up. And at SM, Earth Day isn’t just April 22—it’s every day.

From Bin it Right to #SMWasteFreeFuture: How SM minimizes landfill impact

The SM Waste-Free Future initiative endeavors to reduce waste generation and increase the rate of diversion.

It is not "out of sight, out of mind"; landfills are not only unsightly places in isolated locations; they also provide a serious health danger to the local population and release a lot of greenhouse gases due to the decomposition of food waste.

The SM Supermalls' Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) containers are not merely decorative; they mark the beginning of the path to a landfill that is net-zero and beyond.

The "Trash to Cash" recycling market, one of SM's programs for recyclable garbage, effectively collects more than 1 million kg of plastic, paper, and other materials each year for recycling or reuse.  The program's objectives are to lessen pollution from solid waste and encourage a circular economy in local areas.  Because SM recognizes the value of separating at the source, it collaborates with a number of businesses, including Trust International Paper Corporation, to recycle large quantities of paper internally.  By making sure recyclables are processed correctly, the program has prevented landfill waste equal to the yearly waste of over 3,000 households.

SM Prime and GUUN, a Japanese environmental solutions company, established SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI) as a joint venture handling disposable, non-recyclable waste.  In order to reduce the consumption of coal, this collaboration improves its waste-to-fuel factory, which turns non-recyclable waste—such as single-use plastics, non-recyclable paper, and used rags—into cement fuel known as "fluff fuel."  An essential component of the waste reduction ecosystem, the "fluff fuel" is then utilized by environmentally minded cement companies such as APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement in a process they refer to as "co-processing," in which the ash from the fuel is also used as a cement ingredient.

More than 6,000 metric tons of non-recyclable waste were turned into "fluff fuel" by SM GUUN Environmental Company in 2024, sparing 12,000 homes from the yearly burden of landfills.  During a recent visit, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) acknowledged the facility's importance to a number of stakeholders, especially in terms of lowering their carbon footprints and effectively managing solid waste. 

For its malls and hawker centers, SM GUUN is testing a Singaporean technology for biodegradable trash that turns food scraps into landscape soil, reducing the volume by more than 70% in just 48 hours.  This lessens the load on landfills and promotes soil health and urban greenery by helping to produce fresh soil for parks, gardens, and golf courses.

Other customer-facing solid waste management initiatives offered by SM include the Plastic Waste Collection program, E-Waste Collection, clean water body awareness campaigns, and frequent cleanups of the coast and estero.  Through RA 9004, RA 11898, and other comparable laws, these activities are also carried out to assist the government in promoting appropriate solid waste management.

With solutions identified, the journey towards SM’s #SMWasteFreeFuture becomes more realistic. It needs the help of everyone--from the proper way we “Bin it Right” to the further development of waste solutions to create an ecosystem of recovery and consumption where the word “waste” can be a thing of the past. Let’s do our part for the journey to a “waste-free future.”

To learn more about SM’s solid waste management initiatives, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/events/environmental-programs-on-solid-waste-management.

SM Prime: Engineering a Sustainable Future

“We understand the magnitude of the challenges we face to achieve our Net-Zero commitment. SM Prime is determined to take action and meet its climate commitments. This is one of our top agendas in sustainability.” ~Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime President and CEO

SM Prime leads the way in sustainable development, integrating sustainability into its core business strategy.

Sustainability has become a driving force in all industries. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Asia's leading integrated property developers, prioritizes sustainability through a strategic framework that capitalizes on the company's extensive operations, significant economic impact, and cultural influence.

SM Prime's sustainability journey began in the 1990s, with a focus on resilience and practicality. The company has always valued substance over style, preferring strategies based on real-world application over flashy, short-term solutions.  Its strategy is based on what is truly important to the business and the community it serves, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are effective and long-lasting.

In its 2023 Annual Integrated Report, SM Prime introduced its Sustainability Ambition Roadmap with a clear and powerful message: Together for a Sustainable Future, which is consistent with the company's vision of creating and managing innovative, sustainable, and integrated property developments that improve the quality of life for everyone.

SM Prime’s sustainability strategy is built on three main goals:

1. Environmental sustainability
2. Prosperity for all
3. Climate resilience

Building on its Economy, People, Planet, and Community sustainability framework, SM Prime identified three major goals to pursue: environmental sustainability, prosperity for all, and climate resilience, all with the goal of creating a future marked by sustainability, resilience, and widespread prosperity in 2030, 2040, and beyond.

The company's environmental sustainability strategy includes two significant programs: Net Zero by 2040 and #SMWasteFreeFuture.

Net Zero by 2040

SM Prime is dedicated to improving people's quality of life by stepping up climate action, lowering disaster risks, investing in resilient design, protecting biodiversity, and implementing strategic corporate social responsibility programs, with a primary focus on climate action toward a net-zero business. The company has been collaborating with the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines to establish science-based targets that are consistent with the global commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

SM City Santa Rosa's solar photovoltaic (PV) system has 5,772 panels at 3.088 MWp capacity and has an annual solar energy production of up to 4.292GWh.

#SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Prime launched its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture, in support of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Day of Zero Waste. The program introduces a simple segregation scheme: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC), all aimed at reducing overall waste generation and increasing the waste diversion rate from landfills through sustainable disposal methods. The initiative was launched nationwide for SM employees and across all SM property groups and stakeholders.

SM Prime continues to support existing programs and partnerships that promote better waste management solutions. Initiatives such as SM Supermalls’ Trash-to-Cash recycling market, Plastic Waste Collection and E-Waste Collection programs, and regular coastal and estero clean-up activities effectively engage the community in rethinking their relationship with waste.

To address food waste, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation (SMHCC) has pioneered projects such as The Sustainable Diner with WWF-PH, diverting 198,640 kg of food waste through bokashi composting and 40,013 kg through biodigesters. SMHCC also launched Tela Tales, a program that recycles condemned linens. 

SM Prime gathers the community for a #SMWasteFreeFuture.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) recently partnered with Globe and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines for the Hapag Movement, aimed at targeting food waste and involuntary hunger affecting millions of Filipinos.

“As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues. We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome. However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together.” ~Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM Sustainability Champion

Water stewardship

SM Prime is committed to water stewardship by implementing innovative water conservation and management practices that make properties more responsive and adaptable to changing community needs.

Its sewage water treatment plants process wastewater, preventing contaminated water from polluting local waterways and allowing it to be reused. Malls use recycled water to flush toilets, operate air conditioning systems, and green the landscape.

SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Filtration Facility addresses water security and ensures a safe and sufficient water supply for the operations of the mall and its tenants.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.’s Chairman Henry T. Sy, Jr. receives SM Prime’s 30th Listing Anniversary Plaque from the Philippine Stock Exchange’s President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon.

Prosperity for all

SM Prime's developments drive socioeconomic progress, providing tangible benefits to all stakeholders. Henry Sy founded the company, and it remains committed to his vision of bringing world-class development to the Philippines. A vision perfectly exemplified by the Mall of Asia Complex, which serves as a blueprint for future cities that look beyond commercial success and embrace a holistic approach to urban development.

SM Prime celebrated its 30th anniversary as a publicly traded company on July 23, marking three decades of service and transformative growth in the Philippine real estate industry. 

“True leadership is marked by a solid dedication to collective success. Our journey at SM Prime demonstrates the power of dreaming big and the incredible achievements that follow when you pursue those dreams with determination and hard work.” ~Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime President and CEO