Tile maker fuses green practices into operation

CEBU, Philippines - Aside from providing quality products to its customers, a tile manufacturing company has also dedicated itself to the conservation of the environment.

Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc. (MCSI) has incorporated in its operation and production of ceramic tiles environment-friendly practices and the proficient utilization of its resources.

The company practices the 3R’s waste hierarchy namely Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and waste recovery.

It has converted rice hull ash waste into another product (hollow blocks) and utilizes the waste as one of its raw materials.

In response to climate change, MCSI also uses gasifier to convert biomass waste into synthetic gas which reduces its carbon emission.

With such environmental practices, the ceramic tile maker has received various awards such as the Blue Sky Award in 2009 sponsored by United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the International Technology Promotion Center for Sustainable Development, the Green Choice Seal from Green Choice Philippines in 2010 making it the first tile company to be given an eco-label seal of approval and a consistent awardee and 2009 Hall of Fame awardee of Department of Energy’s Don Emilio Energy Efficiency Award.

As part of CSR, MCSI initiates activities that help the community like annual dental and medical mission, involvement in Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity projects, feeding programs, livelihood trainings and blood donation program. 

Meanwhile, Mariwasa opened its Cebu warehouse on March 9 at the Fastcargo Canduman Warehousing Facility along H. Abellana St., Canduman, Mandaue City to serve the demands and requirements of the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“I am proud to inform you that Mariwasa has finally arrived here in Cebu. We continuously strive to provide our end-users with faster and convenient services. The same uncompromising quality in every piece of product is now here in Cebu to serve the discriminating tastes of the market in the region,” MSCI president Anukul Kongrit said.

He added that this year, they will focus more on strengthening the brand in the Vismin region, will introduce 39 new design series under Innovative Solutions theme during the 17th WorldBex in Manila on March 14-18, and will present safety tiles, scratch-free tiles and high-definition tiles in the market.

“During the WorldBex, we will also introduce SCG products such as fiber cement board, insulation roofing tiles with Cotto, the leading ceramic tile and sanitary ware brand in Thailand to the Philippine market. At Mariwasa, we make sure that we serve the demands of our market in full capacity,” Kongrit said.

Emilie Maramag, Vice President for Finance and Administration, said that one of their partners of the Cebu warehouse is Fastcargo in which MCSI will hold onto their promise of fast and efficient service.

Moreover, Vice President for Sales and Marketing Jankkrit Suwansilp admitted that if they have to put more warehouses aside from Manila and Cebu, they are considering the northern part of Mindanao specifically Butuan.

MCSI is a joint venture between the Coseteng Group and the Siam Cement Group of Thailand in 1993 which produces ceramic floor and wall tiles, listels, spots, other high-end tiles and imports sanitary wares, bathroom fixtures, tile trims, smart boards and smart wood to match its product lines. Finished ceramic products are also exported to Thailand, Korea, Saipan, Guam, Palau and Canada. (FREEMAN)