Legarda opens Pinyapel Pulp exhibit in the Senate

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda led the opening of the Pinyapel Special Setting exhibit, which will run from January 22 to 25 at the Senate building’s second floor lobby in Pasay City.

Her office, along with the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), partnered with the aim to optimize the potential of agricultural waste and overlook resources as raw materials through innovative design and continuous research.

“This endeavor not only raises the bar for the design and value of Philippine products but also makes a meaningful contribution to the global movement advocating for environmentally friendly practices and a holistic approach to sustainable development – economic, cultural, social and environmental sustainability,” Legarda said during her keynote speech.

“As we gather here during the Zero Waste Month of January, it’s crucial to underscore Pinyapel’s commitment to closing the waste loop through its quadruple bottom line approach to circular design, deeply rooted in the ‘Malasakit’ principle of the Design Center of the Philippines—an ethos that embraces compassionate environmental stewardship and sense of accountability towards protecting and preserving the country’s ecosystems,” she added.

The exhibit will feature a total of 85 artisanal and industrial products to be used in various settings, utilizing semi-process materials such as Pinyapel pulp, bio-composite pellets, and pineapple fabric.

Also to be showcased is an investment opportunity in a Pinyapel pulp mill situated in the Northern Mindanao and SOCCSKSARGEN, which produces a yield of a total of 20 metric tons of material daily.

Two options will be presented – the aggressive and conservative, which both will help in the production of Pinyapel pulp.

“Having closely collaborated with the Design Center of the Philippines on various projects, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of design in ensuring the competitiveness of our products,” told Legarda.

“With the inherent ingenuity of the Filipino people, we stand at the forefront of ushering in a new era of production and innovation, one that seamlessly aligns with our natural resources and biodiversity.”

The four-term senator is the principal author of Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001.

Pinyapel production aligns with the zero-waste lifestyle and helps empower Filipinos to change their lifestyle regarding the use of single-use plastic.

The material is seen as an alternative to single-use plastics, which are a large detriment to the safety of the environment if disposed improperly. (end)