Norway, PH explore circular economy cooperation

Norway, a recognized leader in waste management, recycling and circular economy solutions, is sharing its experience with the Philippines as both countries explore ways to strengthen recycling, resource recovery and sustainable waste management.

A Philippine delegation led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones undertook a study tour in Norway from October 4 to 9, focusing on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Systems (DRS) and sustainable waste management.

Organized and facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, the study tour brought together government and private-sector representatives to examine Norway’s approaches to waste collection, sorting, recycling, plastic management and EPR implementation.

The delegation included representatives from Evergreen Labs, Philippine Spring Water Resources, Inc. (Nature’s Spring), the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), GIZ Philippines, and the Philippines–Norway Business Council (PNBC).

The program included visits to Norwegian organizations and companies working across the waste and recycling value chain, including Infinitum, ROAF, OMRÅ, TOMRA, and Grønt Punkt Norge. The delegation also held discussions with Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment and Norfund.

“Moving towards a circular economy takes collaboration across government, business and communities. Norway is pleased to share our experience and learn from the Philippines as both countries work to reduce waste, improve recycling and make better use of resources,” said Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Kristian Netland.

“This visit is an opportunity to turn shared ambitions into practical cooperation,” he added.

The study tour provided the Philippine participants with an opportunity to exchange knowledge on waste collection, sorting, recycling, plastic management and EPR implementation, while exploring how Norwegian technology, expertise and investment could support the Philippines’ transition toward a more circular economy.

The delegation was accompanied throughout the visit by Ana Florentino, Senior Adviser for Business and Trade at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila.

Florentino welcomed the strong engagement and active discussions during the visit, as Philippine participants examined Norwegian solutions and expertise that could be relevant to the country’s evolving waste management and circular economy systems.

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila works to strengthen relations between Norway and the Philippines through cooperation in areas including sustainable development, trade and investment.