Epson Philippines and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines have completed their latest joint initiative called "Project UPcycle" promoting circular economy through plastic upcycling in the town of Burgos on Siargao Island, home to protected landscapes and seascapes (SIPLAS). The collaborative effort significantly boosts (A Textile Empowering) A.T.E. Sewing Atelier, a social enterprise uplifting local women through livelihood.
The project further enhanced A.T.E.'s existing plastic upcycling activities by providing new equipment, renovating its recycling facility, and conducting capacity-building workshops. Project UPcycle has empowered the women of A.T.E. to continue transforming plastic waste into valuable products while generating more income and working towards a greener environment.
"Project UPcycle demonstrates Epson's commitment to environmental responsibility, increased livelihood, and social responsibility – sustainability pledges that we take seriously as a company," Epson Philippines president and director Masako Kusama said. "We are thankful for the chance to support A.T.E. Sewing Atelier, which weaves together these noble causes of sustainability and community empowerment."
"We decided to bring Project UPcycle to Burgos, Siargao Island, as part of our commitment to preventing plastic from leaking into the environment, sparing our beautiful, pristine waters from the threat of plastic waste while creating livelihood opportunities for the local community," WWF-Philippines project manager Jeffrey Maglinte said.
"Our advocacy against plastic pollution is a collective effort, and through our partnerships with Epson Philippines and A.T.E. Sewing Atelier, we can make a difference towards a greener environment, one community at a time," Maglinte added.
Recycling art studio in Siargao
Through Project UPcycle, A.T.E.'s plastic recycling facility has been transformed into a fully functional Recycling Art Studio. This hub collects, segregates, and processes plastic waste to be upcycled into eco-filled products such as bean bags, coasters, flowerpots, furniture, keychains, and plastic lumber. Before Project UPcycle, it was an abandoned space of about 100 square meters without a roof and electrical line.
The Recycling Art Studio is also open to receiving recyclables from community members in exchange for household items such as canned goods or services like washing machine use. They also provide refillable products as an option.
More equipment, more opportunities
Under Project UPcycle, A.T.E. Sewing Atelier received four additional sewing machines, which increased the enterprise's production by 27% and raised its average monthly income by 76%, from P280,000 to P494,000.
The additional equipment allowed A.T.E. to grow its team from 10 to 14 staff members coming from the local community.
In addition to the sewing machines, the project provided A.T.E. with two laptops and one Epson printer with a scanner, improving business efficiency.
"[The] sewing machines have helped us make more products, especially upcycled items and souvenirs. They also allowed others to find steady work to support their families," said Sanne Davis, the co-founder of Nature Kids of Siargao, the mother organization of A.T.E.
Investing in financial literacy
Project UPcycle launched two training workshops for 18 employees at A.T.E. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—Surigao del Norte hosted the first workshop. The participants were taught how to create a business plan based on their organization's goals and needs and how to bring their products to the right market.
The second workshop, hosted by WWF-Philippines, emphasized the importance of savings and personal financial management. The session also introduced the Group Savings and Loans Association (GSLA) concept, where participating members can collectively pool their savings, enabling easy access to loans and social funds.
"I have learned a lot about marketing, setting goals, and running a business," Corah, manager at A.T.E. Sewing Atelier, said. "It's not easy, but through this workshop, I was guided on how to start the right business."
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