The deal with the cleantech company is seen to help strengthen the mall chain’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Earlier this March, SM Supermalls further expanded the reach of its SM Green Movement and the Green Recycling Machine (GRM) program through the partnership that aims to make recycling more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for participating customers through its network of malls nationwide.
Under this new collaboration, Sparklo’s reverse vending machine technology—which allows customers to recycle plastic bottles and cans while visiting SM malls—will be introduced in the Philippines for the first time.
“This initiative further elevates the role our malls play in ensuring a greener future, all for Filipinos,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “When we help make recycling accessible and rewarding, taking steps to protect the environment for a more sustainable tomorrow becomes as easy as stepping into your most-loved SM Supermall.”
According to the company, the SM Green Recycling Machine program—part of the SM Green Movement, the environmental sustainability platform of SM Supermalls—empower communities by “transforming every day mall visits into meaningful acts of environmental responsibility.“
“By providing easily accessible avenues for customers to build the practice of recycling, the initiative helps divert plastic away from landfills while encouraging long-term sustainable habits among mallgoers,” the mall chain noted, adding that all collected plastics are properly processed and recycled.
Under the program’s initial phase, 10 SM Green Recycling Machines have been deployed across selected SM malls nationwide, allowing customers to conveniently recycle PET plastic beverage bottles during their visits.
Customers may simply place empty PET plastic bottles into the recycling machine, which collects and sorts the bottles for proper recycling while encouraging responsible waste disposal.
Participating locations include SM Mall of Asia, S Maison, SM Southmall, SM Aura, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, The Podium, SM City San Lazaro, SM Seaside City Cebu and SM Lanang.
The partnership with Sparklo will further scale this effort through the planned rollout of 30 additional recycling machines in more SM Supermalls across the Philippines.
Ellen Quilas, Sparklo Country Manager, noted, “By combining innovative recycling technology with community participation, the SM – Sparklo partnership aims to strengthen the country’s recycling ecosystem while promoting responsible waste management practices.”
