P&G taps ADB grant for zero-waste study

MANILA, Philippines - Consumer goods manufacturer Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) is seeking a technical assistant (TA) grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) worth $385,000 (roughly P16.5 million) for a feasibility study leading to zero manufacturing waste operations in the Philippines.

P&G is creating a profitable and sustainable municipal solid waste (MSW) business model that can attract support from various stakeholders like local government units (LGUs), local entrepreneurs and utilities.

“P&G approached ADB for TA funding to add credibility to the project and encourage other potential stakeholders like LGUs, local entrepreneurs, utilities and non-government organizations (NGOs) to participate. P&G also believes that the project will benefit from ADB’s experience in infrastructure finance and waste to energy sector,” the ADB said.

The private sector-initiated environmental project is linked closely with the ADB’s Philippine Country Partnership Strategy to reduce environmental degradation and vulnerability to climate change and disasters.

P&G selected the Philippines for the first pilot project due to existence of (i) legislation on solid waste management, (ii) active national and local solid waste associations, (iii) potential commercial and NGO partners; and (iv) potential funding and commercial incentives for waste collection and treatment systems.