Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships Chrysoula Zacharopoulou (L) and DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga (R) unveils the marker of the new plastic recycling plant in Muntinlupa by The Plaf. (Photo Courtesy: DENR)

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led the inauguration of an industrial scale plastic recycling factory in Muntinlupa City following the national government’s continuing efforts to facilitate the transition of the country to a circular economy. 

The facility was established by Plastic Flamingo or The Plaf, a social enterprise based in the Philippines that builds sustainable projects by collecting and transforming plastic wastes into useful recycled products such as construction materials. 

The Plaf was founded by French nationals Francois and Charlotte Lesage who expressed their commitment in helping the country achieve a climate-resilient future through its mission to offer an environmentally-friendly solution to the serious plastic pollution, especially in the country’s marine environment. 

"The Plastic Flamingo is the story of a friendship between France and the Philippines. We, the founders of the Plastic Flamingo, are French, and we chose to come to the Philippines 5 years ago with a mission, which is to participate in the fight against marine plastic pollution. Indeed, we believe that this challenge has no border. It is our responsibility - for all of us - to address this issue where it is the most crucial, especially in Southeast Asia." said The Plaf CEO Francois Lesage. 

Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships Chrysoula Zacharopoulou of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs also joined Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga in the inauguration ceremony. 

“This project shows the strength of cooperation involving civil society, the private sector, and local authorities, particularly to eliminate plastic pollution, a fight that must mobilize all of us,” said Minister Zacharopoulou, highlighting that this initiative signifies the strong cooperation between France and the Philippines particularly in taking collective action against climate change. 

Meanwhile, French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz also graced the momentous occasion for the two countries. 

The guests, include representatives from the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia were also given a tour to the factory where to witness the key recycling processes being implemented by the enterprise. 

In 2020, the Plastic Flamingo was able to produce its first eco-lumbers that were used to build its pioneer transitional shelter prototype. (PIA-NCR)