Nestlé Philippines and Robinsons Supermarket are modernizing the approach to plastic recovery by deploying 10 reverse vending machines across select branches in NCR. In partnership with Restore Solutions PH and supported by Robinsons Malls, the project provides consumers with a practical, high-tech solution for sachet collection and upcycling. Collected sachets will be transformed into Restore Boards that can be used to build furniture like chairs and benches.
Nestlé Philippines SVP & Head of Corporate Affairs Jose Uy III described the initiative as a reflection of what the industry can do when stakeholders join forces for a common goal. “This starts the value chain of circularity with Nestlé as the manufacturer, Robinsons Supermarket as the retailer, and Restore as the upcycler. And 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.”
As part of its net zero commitments, Nestlé Philippines already collects and responsibly diverts the equivalent volume of plastic it puts into the market from its packaging through programs like this. Notably, the company has been compliant with extended producer responsibility (EPR) two years prior to the EPR Act officially lapsed into law. It is also working with the UNDP and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under the National Plastics Action Partnership to unlock circular solutions and infrastructure for soft and flexible plastics.
According to Paul Bayan, Sustainability Manager of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., this collaboration with Nestlé is the first to bring reverse vending machines to a major supermarket chain in the country. “We are proud to be the retail partner of choice for this. As retailers, we play a pivotal role in advocating for waste management and driving the transition toward a truly circular economy.”
Using the reverse vending machines, also called Smart Eco-llection Bin (SEB), is easy and convenient. Shoppers and customers just need to deposit their clean and dry sachets into the SEBs to earn Ecobin points and redeem Ecobin rewards—all managed through the Ecobin Portal, which they can access by simply creating an account. Depositing Nestlé sachets also corresponds to additional points, with more incentives being developed to drive wider usage of SEBs.
Customers may now deposit their sachets in SEBs found in Robinsons Supermarket branches at Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Ermita, Robinsons Metroeast, and Robinsons Townville Regalado, with more locations coming soon.
“Caring for the environment requires a collective and deliberate effort from all stakeholders, from partners like Nestlé Philippines and Restore to our customers who play a vital role in changing everyday habits. Through this program, our customers are empowered to shop for their needs while also helping protect the environment—something that we can all agree is just an essential,” said Maricar Catubay, Division Merchandise Manager of Robinsons Supermarket.
Building on this pilot, Nestlé Philippines and its partners aim to expand the program to build a scalable sachet collection and deposit system through retail, further engage customers in waste management, and enable circularity for hard-to-recycle plastics. Ultimately, it serves as a step in the company’s long-term mission to shape a waste-free future.
