Ajinomoto PH eyes to reduce environmental footprint by 50% come 2030

Ajinomoto Philippines Corp. (APC), the local unit of Japanese global food manufacturing giant Ajinomoto Group, is setting ambitious sustainability targets with the aim of slashing its environmental impact in the next five years.

In a statement, APC president Koichi Ozaki said the specialty food ingredients maker is aiming to “reduce our environmental footprint by 50%.”

“Ajinomoto Philippines recognizes the responsibility of how we impact the environment,” said Ozaki.

Among its sustainability efforts is the introduction of a paper-packaged stock-keeping unit of its popular monosodium glutamate (MSG) or “vetsin” product.

APC is also removing extra plastic bags in bundling its sachet products and is replacing it with paper bands, an important step in reducing plastic waste and curbing the massive problem of plastic pollution. 

Plastic bags in bundling will be removed. Courtesy: Ajinomoto Philippines

For his part, APC chief sustainability officer Ernie Carlos also cited the group’s partnership with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions, which has powered its two factories located in Bulacan and Cebu with 100% solar energy, which prevented “around 5,000 metric tons CO2 emissions per year.”

Bringing down greenhouse gas emissions — like CO2 — is the most important step in fighting climate change and in keeping with the 1.5C goal of the Paris Agreement. 

APC is also donating food waste to food advocacy groups by up-cycling residual food waste into animal feeds, which in turn could bring down methane emissions, another greenhouse gas that scientists and experts are keeping a watchful eye on.

Food waste, when left to decompose in landfills, produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that in a 20-year-period becomes "80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide," the UNDP said.

The company is also repurposing single-use plastics through its SariCycle program —encouraging “sari-sari” stores to collect and recycle single-use plastics under a rewards or incentives system, which can help in waste management.

“Sustainability is an integral part of urban corporate philosophy. It represents our pledge to drive meaningful change through sustainable, strategic partnerships, and responsible business practices to create a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship coexist,” said Carlos.

— LA, GMA Integrated News