Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) is making bold strides in sustainability through its groundbreaking campaign, The Green Print. This initiative embodies the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact by 50% and extending the healthy life expectancy of over 1 billion people by 2030.
At a recent media conference, APC Group President Koichi Ozaki underscored the campaign’s vision. “We are not making incremental changes. We are laying the foundation for a lasting legacy, where our business does not thrive at the expense of the environment but in harmony with it,” he said.
Among its most significant achievements, APC Group has transitioned its factories in Bulacan and Cebu to 100% renewable energy through its partnership with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions. This shift prevents approximately 5,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, significantly reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
In addition, APC Group is championing green logistics with the introduction of a 100% electric tractor head for warehouse transfers and a fully electric four-wheeler van for product deliveries, in collaboration with FAST Logistics and MOBER Philippines.
APC Group Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos emphasized the impact of these initiatives. “Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate philosophy. It represents our pledge to drive meaningful change through strategic partnerships and responsible business practices,” he said.
Tackling food waste, plastic pollution
Beyond renewable energy, APC Group is taking a comprehensive approach to sustainability by addressing food waste and plastic pollution. The company donates edible food waste to Scholars of Sustenance, upcycles residual food waste into animal feed, and has transitioned to more sustainable packaging materials.
One of its flagship programs, SariCycle®, repurposes single-use plastics by engaging sari-sari stores as collection points. Since its inception, the initiative has collected over 10,000 metric tons of plastic waste, reinforcing APC Group’s commitment to circular economy solutions.
“We chose to partner with sari-sari stores with great intent,” Carlos said. “They have been the touchpoint that allowed Ajinomoto to thrive in the Philippine market for over 65 years.”
The Green Print extends beyond corporate sustainability by integrating community engagement and nutrition advocacy. Initiatives like “Too Good To Waste” and “I Love VEGGIE DISHES” aim to reduce food insecurity while promoting sustainable eating habits. The latter, recently launched in Quezon City, educates mothers and children on preparing nutritious meals using vegetables and Ajinomoto products.
Additionally, APC Group has introduced paper-based packaging for its seasoning products—a first in the Philippine market. Though the transition involves higher costs, the company views it as a necessary step in fostering environmental responsibility among consumers.
A model for corporate sustainability
APC Group’s sustainability journey aligns with global environmental goals, particularly through its partnerships with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST).
ACEN’s Tony Valdez encapsulated their shared vision, emphasizing the principles of “people, planet, prosperity.” Meanwhile, BEST’s “Trash to Cashback” program has already collected 12 metric tons of recyclable materials, engaging over 1,000 participants in transforming waste management practices.
As The Green Print continues to evolve, Ozaki reaffirmed the company’s long-term vision: “By 2030, we envision a world where our Green Print is fully realized. This is not just a corporate initiative—it is our blueprint for a more sustainable future.”
