Norwegian Ambassador Kristian Netland called for recycling solutions suited to Philippine conditions at a conference that brought together 180 participants in Makati on 22 October.
The Norwegian Embassy organised the event with the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Innovation Norway and the Philippines Norway Business Council. Government officials, businesses and experts discussed ways to improve waste collection and recycling.
Netland said Norway could share its experience, but stressed that Norwegian models need adapting to local conditions. Solutions must make both environmental and economic sense.
Norwegian companies present waste technologies
Representatives from TOMRA, DNV, ORKEL, INFRAMAR and Hoppsann Technology presented approaches including plastic recovery, waste baling and bottle-to-bottle recycling. Discussions also covered deposit return systems, which reward consumers for returning used drinks containers.
Philippine Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said his department would help Norwegian companies connect with local authorities and potential pilot partners, according to the Philippine News Agency.
Netland also outlined a proposed university pilot for a deposit return system, expected in early 2027. However, GIZ said the project remained under development and depended on a successful assessment of the potential partner.
The conference follows a Philippine delegation’s visit to Norwegian recycling companies earlier in October.
Sources: BusinessMirror and Philippine News Agency
