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Co-processing to combat plastic crisis
By J.Lo
"Using solid waste as fuel enabled company to avoid potential methane emissions at landfill sites while at the same time decreasing carbon of their cement products," Department of Environment and Natural Resources is exploring potential of co-processing as "sustainable" waste management option, move that green groups said will not address fundamental causes of plastic crisis.
DENR sees co-processing as viable solution to establish circular economy and mitigate impacts of climate change. Co-processing converts waste materials such as end of life plastics into alternative fuel for cement manufacturing plants, reducing landfill space and dependence on fossil fuels.
DENR issued statement after Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga visited new shredder platform of Republic Cement in Taysan, Batangas.
Republic Cement, through ecoloop, pioneered use of waste-to-fuel in local cement manufacturing. Firm is joint venture between Aboitiz Group and CRH, manufacturer and distributor of construction materials.
Through co-processing, Republic Cement manufactures cement with reduced dependence on coal. High temperatures used in manufacturing cement allow for alternative fuels to be completely consumed, with any waste byproduct fully integrated into final output.
But for some groups, co-processing is not sustainable waste management solution.
"Co-processing of plastic and its related waste will not address root cause of plastic crisis, which is overproduction of plastic…plastic is problematic product made of fossil fuel and chemicals, and across its lifecycle produces climate, environmental and social impacts," Rei Panaligan, national coordinator for Plastic-Free Pilipinas Project, told media.
Greenpeace Philippines zero-waste campaigner Marian Ledesma also told media burning plastic waste emits carbon dioxide, making it "unsuitable as form of mitigation and climate change contributor.
Ledesma urged DENR to instead adopt reuse and refill models to reduce plastic production and people's dependence on disposable materials.
For Panaligan, government should curb plastic production, sale and use through listing of non-environmentally acceptable products and packaging. In February 2021, National Solid Waste Management Commission included only plastic soft drink straws and coffee stirrers in NEAPP list, move groups said was not enough.
Two-decade-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act mandates issuance of NEAPP.
Country's environment chief earlier acknowledged Philippines was "not winning war against single-use plastics" as she stressed need to address social issues to effectively tackle plastic crisis.
Philippines has Extended Producer Responsibility law, aims to address mismanagement of plastic waste and uphold circularity by requiring large enterprises to recover or offset their plastic packaging footprint.
United States government has expressed concerns over potential environmental impacts and risks to local communities posed by ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, linked to controversial Chinese company.
US Embassy in Manila said constant communication with government about reclamation projects.
"We have expressed concerns about potential negative long-term and irreversible impacts to environment, resilience to natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce," embassy said in response to media query ..
Environmentalists, scientists, and fishers have long asked government to halt these projects, citing concerns over destruction of mangroves, wetlands and marine ecosystems, displacement of coastal communities, and loss of livelihood.
There are around 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, important fishing ground and hub of economic activities.
US Embassy also expressed concern about ties of reclamation projects to China Communications Construction Company, firm blacklisted by US Department of Commerce. Washington sanctioned CCCC for helping Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in South China Sea, including areas Philippines refers to as West Philippine Sea.
Embassy added firm has been cited by World Bank and Asian Development Bank "for engaging in fraudulent business practices."
CCCC is behind Samal Island-Davao City Connector project, and North and South Harbor Bridge.
During meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. early this year, company proposed to build highway project connecting Laoag City in Ilocos Norte and Rosario in La Union.
"We continue to support high quality, sustainable, and transparent investments to benefit Filipino people and will continue to engage with appropriate authorities on this matter," US Embassy said.
In response to US Embassy's statement, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga said DENR agency will assess cumulative impacts of reclamation activities in Manila Bay.
"We're now assembling team that would be doing cumulative impact assessment so we started talking to different scientists," Loyzaga said in Palace briefing.
She noted Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan crafted by previous administration will serve as reference for assessment. Master plan was envisioned to guide decision makers in assessment and approval of programs and projects (PAPs) for implementation in Manila Bay and in adjacent areas with significant influence on the bay.
"Reclamation has certain value in terms of economy. we need to do cost benefit analysis in terms of impacts to geology and longer term impacts in terms of what could result from climate change," Loyzaga said.
DENR chief earlier said agency is monitoring compliance of reclamation projects that are under construction.
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