The global plastic waste crisis has reached alarming levels, with millions of tons ending up in landfills and oceans every year. The Philippines faces significant challenges in managing low-value plastic waste due to inadequate recycling systems and the prevalence of single-use plastics. In response, Evergreen Labs via the ReForm Plastic program, provides innovative solutions that address environmental concerns while fostering economic opportunities for local communities.
Introducing Evergreen Labs and ReForm Plastic
ReForm Plastic is a flagship venture of Evergreen Labs, dedicated to creating transformative circular solutions for environmental and social challenges. As a business lab, Evergreen Labs identifies critical gaps in systems, pilots innovative ideas, and scales viable ventures for measurable impact. Chino Borromeo, operations coordinator for ReForm Plastic, states that this initiative specifically targets the crisis of low-value and non-recyclable plastics by transforming hard-to-manage materials into durable products through decentralized, cost-efficient upcycling technologies. This venture empowers communities with accessible technology and knowledge to tackle local waste management challenges.
With a network of 14 franchisees globally, ReForm Plastic benefits from Evergreen Labs’ strategic and technical expertise. Together, they drive systemic change by expanding diversion methods available in the plastic value chain.
Addressing the Philippines’ plastic waste challenges
In the Philippines, managing low-value plastic waste remains a significant challenge due to a lack of viable, scalable solutions. According to ReForm Plastic, while efforts to reduce single-use plastics in municipalities are growing, the extensive use of these materials—such as multilayer packaging and other non-recyclables—persists. “Currently, the predominant methods for addressing this waste are (1) sanitary landfilling and (2) refuse-derived fuel (RDF), where plastics are used as an alternative fuel in cement plants,” Borromeo adds. “Both approaches have substantial environmental drawbacks, including emissions and long-term harm to ecosystems.”
ReForm Plastic tackles this gap by introducing decentralized upcycling technologies that transform low-value plastics into durable, marketable products. This solution not only diverts waste from harmful disposal methods but also creates economic opportunities within local communities. Partnering closely with Evergreen Labs Philippines, ReForm Plastic addresses all levels of the waste value chain: Collectors and aggregators who are empowered to identify, segregate, and process plastics; Local Government Units (LGUs) to integrate these practices into local waste management systems; and Enterprises to develop sustainable business models by providing the necessary technology, training, and expertise to maintain long-term operations.
By building these interconnected systems, ReForm Plastic creates a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the communities involved, providing a scalable, sustainable alternative to current waste management practices.
Community engagement
In the Philippines, ReForm Plastic works closely with local communities to tackle the challenges of low-value plastic waste while fostering meaningful social impact. Following the introduction of RA 11898, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law in 2022, companies are required to contribute to waste diversion proportional to their plastic packaging output. ReForm Plastic, in collaboration with Evergreen Labs Philippines, bridges the gap between these Obliged Enterprises (OEs) and local communities by providing the necessary tools, technology, and programs to manage plastic waste effectively.
Engagement with the communities happen through Incentivized Collection Programs, Waste Value Chain Integration, and Education and Awareness – efforts that empower communities, improve livelihoods, and create win-win scenarios for all stakeholders, including OEs fulfilling their EPR requirements.
In other countries where ReForm Plastic operates, they tailor their social inclusion programs to meet local needs with key initiatives that include: empowering informal waste collectors by providing fair wages, access to healthcare, and safety training to enhance their quality of life and financial stability; creating inclusive supply chains by integrating waste collectors into formalized systems using data-driven tools like track-and-trace technology to ensure transparency and equitable compensation for their contributions; training and development through workshops, events, and digital resources, where franchise partners and communities are equipped with the skills and knowledge to sustainably manage waste; and social programs with impact such as improving mobility to facilitating healthcare access and financial literacy training, ReForm Plastic ensures that communities are not only part of the solution but also benefit from their participation.
This tailorized and localized approach ensures their mission to combat plastic waste aligns with community empowerment, fostering long-term social and environmental impact on a global scale.
Innovative technologies
ReForm Plastic employs cutting-edge recycling technologies to transform low-value, non-recyclable plastics and organic waste into high-value, sustainable products. Their innovative solutions span diverse applications, providing scalable and impactful approaches to waste management.
They take pride in their flagship technology which is the plastic boards upcycling line. Here, collected plastics are converted into 4’x8’ boards which serve sustainable substitutes for traditional construction materials like plywood, cement boards, and MDFs (medium-density fiberboards). They also design tailored facilities based on available feedstock, desired end-products, and local needs such as plastic lumber (a durable alternative for outdoor and construction applications), plastic-based concrete aggregates (enhancing sustainability in construction projects), and even upcycled footwear waste to soft tiles (addressing niche waste streams with unique solutions).
ReForm Plastic also harnesses the power of Mother Nature – they tackle organic waste through insect-based bioconversion systems. Using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, organic waste is rapidly converted into nutrient-rich frass, a valuable organic fertilizer, and protein-rich larvae for animal feed. This method provides a sustainable solution for organic waste management while creating economic opportunities in agriculture and aquaculture. They also design and implement Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and pre-processing systems tailored to the needs of local governments and enterprises. These solutions include sorting lines, shredders, and balers that improve waste segregation and processing efficiency.
Through an accessible franchising model, ReForm Plastic empowers enterprises to adopt and scale these technologies. Franchisees receive end-to-end support, from facility planning and machinery setup to commissioning and initial trials. This model enables widespread replication of our solutions, driving impact across regions.
Global knowledge sharing is widely practiced as they foster a global community of franchisees and partners, creating a platform for exchanging best practices, technical expertise, and innovative ideas. This collaborative network accelerates the adoption of sustainable waste management solutions worldwide.
By integrating innovative technologies for plastics and organic waste, tailored facility designs, and a scalable franchising model, ReForm Plastic delivers comprehensive waste management solutions that benefit both communities and the environment.
Partnerships for sustainable change
Collaboration is central to ReForm Plastic’s success. They have built strong partnerships with funders, international non-profits, LGUs, and private sector enterprises to drive sustainable change. Notable collaborations include partnerships with DILG Region 4A and companies like Tetra Pak and Shell.
Through these partnerships, ReForm Plastic scales its impact globally by engaging with international stakeholders and integrating waste management technologies into inclusive supply chains.
Measuring impact
ReForm Plastic measures its impact through both quantitative and qualitative metrics, focusing on environmental outcomes and the economic and social benefits provided to local communities.
Environmental impact is measured by the volume of waste diverted from landfills and waterways and transformed into valuable products. Metrics include the volume of plastic collected – tracking the tonnage of low-value plastics collected through their programs and facilities; waste diversion – calculating the amount of plastic waste diverted and upcycled into new products, such as plastic boards, lumber, or aggregates; and carbon savings: Measuring emissions avoided through their recycling processes compared to traditional disposal methods
When it comes to communities, impact is measure through economic empowerment via incentive programs and income generation; and sustainable livelihood models that ensure financial viability for years of operation which include training staff, supporting local entrepreneurs, and facilitating partnerships with stakeholders in the waste value chain.
They also track the broader social benefits generated by their initiatives, such as job creation -measuring the number of jobs created through facility operations, waste collection, and recycling activities; capacity building – quantifying the individuals trained in waste management practices and sustainable operations; and community engagement – assessing participation in awareness campaigns, collection drives, and other educational initiatives.
By using a data-driven approach, ReForm Plastic ensures that each transaction, collection, and end-product is documented, providing a comprehensive view of how their initiatives benefit the environment and local livelihoods. This transparent reporting ensures accountability and helps refine and improve their programs.
Future plans for expansion
Looking ahead, ReForm Plastic aims to scale its impact by deploying additional franchise facilities in underserved regions across Asia and Africa. They plan to enhance existing operations by optimizing facility capacities and developing new applications for recycled materials.
Evergreen Labs Philippines will expand its collection networks to maximize feedstock availability while collaborating with existing recycling facilities.
A call to action
“We invite enterprises, local government units, and changemakers to reach out and share your concerns about plastic waste. Let’s collaborate—we’re eager to learn more about your needs and offer ideas tailored to your goals. Evergreen Labs is ready to work with you on initiatives related to collection, traceability, EPR compliance, and CSR programs. Additionally, ReForm Plastic’s facility offerings present a meaningful investment opportunity that benefits both your organization and your community’s future.
Over the past year, we’ve successfully launched 25 collection programs and established three new facilities in the Philippines, demonstrating our ability to deliver sustainable value and holistic impact to partner communities and organizations. Our expertise spans the entire waste management ecosystem, supported by a wide network of partners and a proven track record in project management. We’re confident we can lay the foundation for your next impactful initiative.
At Evergreen Labs, we work hand-in-hand with our partners—from informal waste workers and facility operators to corporate leaders and barangay captains—all united by a shared passion for solving plastic waste challenges. This advocacy drives us to be open, proactive, and collaborative, ensuring we build solutions that create meaningful, lasting change.
Let’s take the next step together toward a cleaner, more sustainable future!”
As they continue their mission within the circular economy framework, Evergreen Labs and ReForm Plastic exemplify how businesses can drive systemic change while positively impacting society.
