SM Waste Free Future Earns Recognition for Transforming Circular Systems

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) earned the Gold Award in the Transformation Category at the 2026 ESG Edge Impact Awards for its SM Waste Free Future initiative. The category recognizes organizations that have demonstrated significant progress in enhancing their sustainability performance and transforming their operational practices over time.

From Vision to Transformation

Through a collaborative network of stakeholders united by a shared goal, SM’s commitment to a waste-free future demonstrates its approach to creating meaningful and lasting change. Launched in 2024 at SM Mall of Asia, SM Waste Free Future marked the beginning of a group-wide effort to promote waste circularity and implement standardized waste segregation across SM properties.

At the heart of the initiative is the idea that meaningful and lasting waste reduction starts with simple, everyday actions. Guided by the theory of change, the program began by examining daily waste generation and evaluating existing waste segregation practices. This led to the introduction of the three-bin system—Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC)—designed to make waste segregation simpler and more accessible while encouraging consistent, positive habits over time.

Closing the loop, however, requires more than improving waste management practices. In 2025, a year after its launch, SM Prime achieved an 80% diversion rate for non-hazardous waste away from landfills. Achieving this level of diversion means sustained commitment and strategic investment in the program.

A key enabler is SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI), a waste-to-fuel facility in Consolacion, Cebu, that transforms disposable waste into alternative fuel for major cement manufacturers such as Holcim and APO Cement, advancing both waste diversion and circularity goals by keeping materials in productive use.

SGECI’s expanded ecosystem includes Asia Brewery, PetValue, Nature Springs, and Concreat to recover, process, and repurpose waste materials generated across SM properties and smaller businesses in the area. It has processed more than 6,000 metric tons of waste in 2025, helping divert valuable resources away from landfills.

Turning circularity into movement

Behind every framework, however, lies the collective action critical to any program. SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, leverages its social media presence to engage communities, especially the youth, in active participation toward a waste-free future. Last year’s International Coastal Cleanup had 48,000 volunteers – the largest gathering of coastal warriors to date.

“Creating a waste-free future requires everyone to play a role—from employees and partner-tenants to local governments, communities, and customers,” says Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls VP for Compliance and Sustainability.

 “It is always a challenge at the start, but I’m proud of how far we have come. By working together, we can turn waste challenges into opportunities for positive environmental impact,” said Silerio.

Led by the SM Green Movement, SM Waste Free Future continues to strengthen SM Prime’s circular economy efforts by uniting employees, tenants, partners, and communities around a shared commitment to responsible waste management and circularity.

“This recognition reflects the power of collaboration in attempting to do what is impossible. The award belongs to everyone who has contributed to the journey. It demonstrates that when we unite behind a common purpose, we can achieve transformation at scale,” says Louernie de Sales, SM Prime VP for Sustainability and President of SGECI.