Mcdonald’S Philippines and Republic Cement Partner to Turn Plastic Waste into Alternative Fuel

McDonald’s Philippines is strengthening its sustainability efforts through a new partnership with Republic Cement’s ecoloop, transforming plastic waste from its stores into alternative fuel for cement production.

The partnership marks another milestone in McDonald’s Philippines’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible business operations.

Under the agreement, plastic waste generated across McDonald’s stores will be delivered to Republic Cement facilities and co-processed into alternative fuel used in cement manufacturing. Instead of ending up in sanitary landfills, these materials are given a second life as an energy source that supports industrial production.

“At ecoloop, we believe sustainability is achieved through collaboration,” said Angela Edralin-Valencia, Director of ecoloop, Republic Cement. “Our partnership with McDonald’s Philippines demonstrates how shared responsibility can turn plastic waste into valuable resources and drive meaningful progress toward a circular economy.”

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

The partnership was formalized earlier this year during the signing of an agreement at Republic Cement’s plant in Teresa, Rizal.

Present during the signing were McDonald’s Director for Restaurant Equipment Management Group Jacinto Divinagracia, ecoloop Managing Director Atty. Angela Edralin, and Teresa Plant Manager Jimmy Torres.

Before the signing, McDonald’s Philippines also participated in a sustainability program for students at Teresa Elementary School, where representatives discussed environmental protection and responsible waste management.

A highlight of the event was the donation of 50 classroom chairs through McDonald’s award-winning ReClassified program. The initiative repurposes decommissioned restaurant furniture into colorful and functional classroom chairs and tables for public schools.

Students also turned over collected plastic waste to McDonald’s and Republic Cement for co-processing.

Building a Circular Economy

“Environmental stewardship and sustainability are an important part of McDonald’s operations in the Philippines,” said Divinagracia.

“Across our 850-plus stores, we introduce and sustain innovations and practices that reduce our impact on the planet. Our partnership with ecoloop is a welcome addition to our continuing efforts to integrate environmental protection into the way we run our business.”

The collaboration supports Republic Act No. 11898, or the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, which requires companies generating plastic packaging waste to take a more active role in waste reduction, recovery, and recycling initiatives.

The law encourages businesses to adopt circular economy principles and assume greater responsibility for products throughout their life cycle.

Sustainability Beyond Waste Management

The new partnership complements McDonald’s Philippines’ broader environmental initiatives under its Green & Good program.

Across its network of more than 850 stores nationwide, the company has implemented various sustainability measures, including eco-pavers, light-gauge steel frames made partly from recycled materials, solar rooftops, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar-powered lampposts.

McDonald’s has also been reducing plastic waste through sustainable packaging initiatives and the growing use of washable and reusable utensils for dine-in customers, helping lessen dependence on single-use plastics.

The collaboration with Republic Cement reflects how partnerships between industries can transform waste into valuable resources while contributing to long-term environmental goals and more sustainable communities.