Manila: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and mall giant SM inked a partnership Thursday to promote sustainable initiatives.
In an interview, DOST – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) Executive Director Enrico Paringit said the partnership would make the DOST a bridge for innovators and entrepreneurs so SM would know their products that support sustainability.
“The DOST would introduce these innovators/businesses to SM, so the latter could consider if the products can be sold at SM, or probably be integrated or adopted in their existing products or packaging,” he said.
Paringit noted that while there is no guarantee that SM would collaborate with innovators, the partnership would still give the latter access to the mall’s executives.
“They can’t just approach an executive and talk to them to introduce their innovations. So it’s good that the DOST would pave a way for them,” he said.
Citing examples, Paringit said makers of shi
rts using recycled plastic bottles could be introduced to SM for possible marketing at its malls; or SM could learn and adopt innovations it could use for its ecobags; or it could adopt and sell fabrics made of bamboo.
On Thursday, 17 exhibitors showcased their sustainable innovations at SM Megamall with about half of them supported by the DOST, according to Paringit.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., in a press conference, said the challenge is to scale up these innovations to the larger economy.
Thus, partnering with a giant like SM will be a great help, he added.
Solidum said repurposing plastics is among the R and D focuses of the DOST.
Meanwhile, SM head of Sustainability and Investor Relations Timothy Daniels said the partnership with DOST supports the mall’s sustainability goals.
“This collaboration will enhance our collective waste management efforts and also foster knowledge sharing and sustainable partnerships across sectors,” he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
