Building a Waste-Free Future: SM Prime Leads the Charge for Plastic-Free Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world suffocating in plastic, where the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) projects that global plastic production could skyrocket to 1,100 million tonnes by 2050, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has taken a bold stand. More than just Southeast Asia’s integrated property titan, SM Prime is emerging as a transformative force—laying the groundwork for a future where sustainability is not just an aspiration, but an infrastructure-backed reality.

A Turning Point on International Plastic-Free Day

May 25, International Plastic-Free Day, is more than a symbolic observance for SM Prime. It is a rallying cry—a moment to rethink the excessive dependence on single-use plastics (SUPs) and renew collective responsibility. At the heart of this advocacy lies the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, a Philippine law that places the onus on businesses to recover and recycle the plastic they produce.

SM Prime is not merely complying—it’s trailblazing. With support from the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), the SM group has launched a comprehensive, group-wide action plan to meet—and exceed—the EPR Law’s ambitious goals. This includes the roll-out of color-coded bins labeled Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable across its properties, streamlining waste segregation and community participation.

Infrastructure Meets Innovation

In building the architecture of sustainability, SM Prime recognizes that real change starts with robust systems. That’s why it has equipped all its properties with Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and standard waste segregation systems. But it doesn’t stop there.

Through its joint venture with Japanese firm GUUN Co. Ltd., SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI) converts non-recyclable plastics into fluff fuel—an eco-friendly alternative to coal. This fuel is then co-processed by cement giants like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement, keeping tons of otherwise non-biodegradable waste out of overburdened landfills.

Grassroots Solutions with Nationwide Reach

Compliance may begin at the corporate level, but SM Prime ensures its sustainability strategy reaches the barangay. Since 2007, Trash to Cash, a monthly recycling fair held across all 87 SM malls, has empowered local communities to turn their waste into rewards. The initiative enables residents and tenants alike to exchange sorted recyclables for cash, fostering a circular economy from the ground up.

In tandem, 15 SM Plastic Waste Collection Sites serve as drop-off points for clean, dry plastics. High-value waste like aluminum cans and PET bottles are collected through SWAP reverse vending machines at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia, gamifying the act of recycling for maximum engagement.

Meanwhile, SM Cares, the group’s social responsibility arm, continues to galvanize environmental volunteerism through the International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC). In 2024 alone, 23,000 volunteers—employees, students, and community members—joined forces to clear coastal areas of plastic debris, driving home the point that saving the environment is a shared, scalable effort.

Hotels Without Plastic: Redefining Hospitality

The fight against plastic extends even to hospitality. SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has eliminated SUPs from all its properties, replacing traditional amenities with biodegradable, sustainable alternatives. Leading the charge is Pico Sands Hotel, a pioneer in the Ayoko Na Sa Plastic campaign led by WWF-Philippines.

Since 2019, SMX Convention Centers have followed suit, advocating for sustainable events through bamboo and starch-based cutlery, ditching plastic utensils for earth-friendlier options. This shift signals a deep-seated transformation—one where luxury, service, and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

From Awareness to Accountability

SM Prime’s movement is grounded not in virtue signaling but in verifiable impact. From its co-processing partnerships to its community programs, every effort reinforces its unwavering stance: a waste-free future is non-negotiable.

“We acknowledge that our work is never done,” says Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “There are new technologies, innovative solutions, and more avenues for collaboration to look forward to in making the EPR Act work for our communities. But we all have a role to play—it is every individual’s responsibility to create a waste-free future.”

The Path Forward: Plastic-Free Cities

What sets SM Prime apart is its vision. It’s not content with isolated success stories—it aims to build cities where plastic waste is not just managed but minimized. Through partnerships, policies, and people-centered initiatives, it’s paving a new urban model—one that tackles one of the 21st century’s most pressing environmental challenges head-on.

In the face of a mounting plastic crisis, SM Prime stands as a beacon. It reminds us that sustainability is not just about reduction—it’s about redesigning the way we live, from our shopping habits to our hotel stays, from beachside cleanup drives to what we throw in the bin.

In this narrative of change, the infrastructure is already rising. The momentum is growing. The future can be waste-free—if we build it together.

A Flavorful First in Pampanga: SM Supermalls Ushers in a New Era of Asian Dining Excellence

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a province globally celebrated for its culinary prowess, SM Supermalls just raised the bar even higher. Welcome to a New Era of Firsts—a landmark moment for Pampanga’s food scene, where the rich traditions of Asian cuisine collide with innovation, sustainability, and premium dining experiences.

This isn’t just a food trend. It’s a culinary revolution—and it starts right here, at SM City Clark and SM City Pampanga. For the first time in the province, three of Asia’s most celebrated flavors—Taiwanese, Japanese, and Thai—are being served with a daring twist through first-to-Pampanga brands: Ninepot, The Matcha Tokyo, and Purple Rice.

Ninepot: Taiwan’s Art of Hot Pot, Perfected

At the heart of SM City Clark’s Tech Hub 2 simmers a pot of destiny—Ninepot, the newest name in elevated Taiwanese hot pot culture. Named after the lucky number "nine," a symbol of fortune in Taiwan, Ninepot brings more than just soup—it brings soul.

In a world where quantity often overshadows quality, Ninepot flips the narrative. This is not your typical unlimited hot pot. Each meticulously curated set meal follows a six-step process, ensuring that flavor and freshness are front and center.

From the umami-rich Taiwan Stone Hot Pot to the comforting Sesame Oil, the delicate Dashi Broth, and the fiery Szechuan Hot Pot, each broth base tells its own story. Guests are treated to a full-course experience—complete with protein, sides, vegetables, dessert, and a rotating weekly special drink. It’s a dining ritual rooted in heritage and finished with flair.

The Matcha Tokyo: Japan’s Green Gold, Now in Pampanga

The global matcha craze finds its premium expression at The Matcha Tokyo, located at the ground level of SM City Clark. But this isn’t just another matcha joint—it’s the authority on authentic, organic matcha straight from Japan.

What makes The Matcha Tokyo a cut above the rest? 100% organic matcha, thoughtfully grown, carefully whisked, and elegantly served. Whether you're a seasoned matcha aficionado or a curious newcomer, the flavors here are profound, earthy, and exquisitely balanced.

Start with their best-selling Organic Matcha Latte, beloved across all global branches. Then take a sip of something closer to home—the exclusive-to-the-Philippines Ube Matcha Latte, where two iconic flavors collide in perfect harmony.

Beyond drinks, The Matcha Tokyo offers matcha-infused pastries, chocolate, snacks, and even pure matcha powder for those looking to take the experience home. It’s a lifestyle, a movement, and now—finally—a local destination.

Purple Rice: Thai Cuisine Reinvented with Filipino Heart

If there’s one place that marries tradition with future-forward food philosophy, it’s Purple Rice at SM City Pampanga. This vibrant culinary space is more than a restaurant—it’s a storytelling platform for Thai heritage, Filipino warmth, and sustainability.

Purple Rice goes beyond green curry and Pad Thai. It reimagines what Thai food can be—introducing dishes like Purple Yam Woon Sen, Khao Soi, and the indulgent Red Angus Beef Curry. And who could forget their show-stopping take on dessert? The Thai Halo-Halo is a cool, colorful celebration of Southeast Asian flavor fusion.

Their use of naturally purple rice isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s symbolic. It represents the blending of traditions, the boldness of reimagining cuisine, and the commitment to eco-conscious ingredients. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared to offer authentic flavor while embracing innovative methods and sustainable practices.

SM Supermalls: Redefining Culinary Culture, One Flavor at a Time

SM Supermalls has long been a hub for shopping, leisure, and entertainment. Now, with the arrival of Ninepot, The Matcha Tokyo, and Purple Rice, it's solidifying its reputation as a culinary destination—one that respects the past while boldly stepping into the future.

This New Era of Firsts is more than just a campaign. It’s a commitment to deliver world-class experiences that are both meaningful and memorable. It’s about connecting communities, elevating tastes, and celebrating diversity—all through the universal language of food.

Whether you’re a Kapampangan foodie with a seasoned palate, a traveler seeking new flavors, or simply someone who appreciates good food done right—there’s something here for you. Because at SM, there’s always something new to enjoy, and always more to share.

Experience Asia like never before—only at SM City Clark and SM City Pampanga.

To discover more first-to-market brands and exclusive dining experiences, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

One Year, One Vision: SM Prime’s Bold March Toward a Waste-Free Future

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a nation grappling with the staggering weight of over 60,000 metric tons of daily waste, a new chapter has begun—one that could redefine how the Philippines tackles environmental sustainability. In 2024, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) took a decisive leap forward with the launch of its “SM Waste-Free Future” initiative, signaling not just a corporate campaign, but a nationwide movement towards lasting change.

Now, one year in, the results are both inspiring and urgent—a powerful reminder that sustainability is not a luxury, but a responsibility.

The Ground Zero of Green Change

It all began at the iconic SM Mall of Asia. With towering ambition and a clear-eyed focus, SM Prime unveiled its flagship environmental sustainability program aimed at reducing overall waste generation through effective segregation, diversion from landfills, and sustainable disposal practices.

But this wasn’t just a token effort. In just twelve months, the SM Waste-Free Future program expanded across the vast SM Prime ecosystem—malls, residences, office buildings, hotels, convention centers, and estates—nationwide. It was a rapid rollout that few could have imagined, let alone operationalized, but SM Prime did just that.

By integrating waste segregation systems rooted in the RDC model—Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable—SM made waste management simple, visual, and universal. Clear bins with vivid labels now line hallways, food courts, and lobbies, encouraging customers, tenants, and employees alike to “bin it right.”

A Ripple That Became a Wave

The movement didn’t stop at the doorstep of SM Prime. What began as a program soon evolved into a group-wide crusade across the broader SM portfolio. SM Retail deployed RDC bins in all SM Store branches, while SM Markets pushed ahead with its reusable bag system, and Goldilocks Bakeshop followed suit, adopting waste segregation practices across all SM Supermalls where it operates.

The result? A more unified, systematized approach to responsible waste management that transcends business units and verticals. Waste is no longer someone else’s problem—it’s everyone’s mission.

Innovation Meets Impact

SM Prime’s strength lies not just in its scale, but in how it mobilizes that scale for good. From SM Hotels’ textile upcycling program, Tela Tales, which transforms condemned linens into livelihood-generating products for women in partner communities, to SMDC’s partnership with Globe’s Hapag Movement, which rescues surplus food and feeds hungry families—this is sustainability made tangible.

The innovation continues in the digital space. In partnership with PLDT and Smart, SM Supermalls launched an E-Waste Collection Program at Cyberzone locations, offering the public an accessible and responsible way to dispose of electronic gadgets. It’s a small act with a big footprint—one gadget saved from landfill is a win for the planet.

More Than a Campaign—It’s a Culture Shift

To drive deeper change, SM Cares—the social good arm of SM Prime—launched targeted social media and grassroots campaigns designed to engage the youth and inspire long-term behavioral shifts. Most notably, on World Oceans Day, over 5,000 volunteers across 18 SM malls came together to remove more than 30,000 kilograms of waste from Philippine shorelines.

“This isn’t just about clean malls. It’s about cleaner oceans, healthier communities, and a culture that values sustainability at every level,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. “Waste-Free Future is more than just a program—it’s a mindset shift. And we’re only getting started.”

A Future Built Together

The message is clear: A waste-free Philippines is no longer a distant dream. With strategic partnerships, widespread adoption, and strong public engagement, SM Prime is building a blueprint not just for business, but for national transformation.

Through every RDC bin placed, every gadget recycled, and every shoreline cleaned, the impact ripples outward—inviting more people, more organizations, and more communities to join in the shared vision.

Because in the end, this isn’t just SM Prime’s journey. It’s everyone’s future.

And that future is waste-free.

About SM Prime:

SM Prime is committed to shaping sustainable and innovative lifestyle cities that elevate quality of life and drive economic growth. As a catalyst for inclusive progress, the company advocates responsible development to create long-term value for Filipino communities.