AS the product innovation progresses in the Philippines, so is the generation of plastic waste in packaging and manufacturing sectors. This heightened the need for sustainable packaging solutions, a demand that continues to be unmet due to lack of standard criteria for sustainable packaging materials.
Recognizing this challenge, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), through the Industrial Technology and Development Institute (ITDI) is driving innovative approaches to eco-friendly packaging that reduces environmental impact and promotes resource efficiency.
To discuss these initiatives, DoST-ITDI initiated a plenary discussion titled, “Initiatives of DoST-ITDI on Green and Sustainable Packaging,” held on Nov. 12, 2024 during the Regional Science and Technology Week organized by the DoST Region XI at the Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City.
Mary Joy Paico from DoST-ITDI’s Packaging Technology Division underscored the importance of packaging in all products. She noted that packaging is essential for containment, protection and preservation, communication and convenience.
Paico identified different types of plastic packaging that were commonly used in the market, which were often marked with numbers indicating their types. She also discussed the distinction between bio-based plastics and petroleum-based plastics.
Moreover, Paico differentiated compostable and biodegradable plastics, noting that while all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials are compostable.
Green Packaging Laboratory and operational framework
To address the demand for sustainable solutions, DoST-ITDI established the Green Packaging Laboratory, focusing on developing alternative packaging materials while maintaining coexistence with existing options.
The initiative has actively involved farmers as key suppliers of agricultural/aquacultural waste as raw materials for these ecofriendly solutions.
