Holcim and One Earth One Ocean launched recently the Circular Explorer in Manila to be part of cleaning coastal areas in the Philippines.
The first-of-its-kind 100 percent solar powered catamaran, the Circular Explorer is designed to recover up to four tons of plastic waste per day to preserve vital marine ecosystems in a sustainable way.
In parallel, it is driving an education program to empower students and local communities as changemakers to take action for people and the planet.
Taking a science-driven approach for more impact, it is partnering with the University of the Philippines Marine Institute to advance ocean research.
With built-in sensors and micro-plastic collectors on board, it will drive live data mapping along its journey to fuel the faculty’s research programs.
“With today’s population and urbanization on the rise, Holcim is committed to improving living standards for all by building more with less. That’s why we are driving circular construction as a global leader in material recycling to build a net-zero future that works for people and the planet. The Circular Explorer is a platform to empower communities to join us to shift gears toward circular living,” said
Magali Anderson, Holcim chief sustainability and innovation officer
Horia Adrian, president and chief executive officer of Holcim Philippines, said the Circular Explorer is a symbol of the company’s commitment to sustainability.
“Walking the talk across our business, we recycled over 20 million tons of materials into alternative fuels and low emission raw materials across our operations over the past 15 years. By 2024 we will become the first company in our sector in the Philippines to operate solar panels in our plants. I’m excited to be partnering with like-minded organizations today to make a bigger difference together,” Adrian said.
