Philippines Launches New Circular Electronics Management Initiative

• The Philippines has launched the 'Sustainable electronics management in the Philippines' project to transition towards a circular electronics value chain.
• Part of the Global Electronics Management (GEM) Program, the initiative is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the EcoWaste Coalition.
• The project addresses the environmental and health risks of rising Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) while capturing economic value.

Project Lifecycle Focus

• Upstream: Strengthening regulations for the ICT sector, promoting eco-innovation, and reducing hazardous substances in manufacturing.
• Midstream: Supporting repair shops and SMEs to extend product lifespans and boost market demand for repair and reuse.
• Downstream: Enhancing take-back schemes and collection systems for the safe management of mercury and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Environmental and Social Impact

• Projected Benefits: Avoidance of 14,831 metric tonnes of CO₂e emissions and the safe removal of 4,781.2 metric tonnes of POPs-containing waste.
• Social Inclusion: Targeting 1,000 beneficiaries, with at least 50% women, and integrating informal waste workers into the formal economy.
• Economic Context: The electronics industry accounts for $54.92 billion in exports; the project aims to turn toxic risks into opportunities through systemic industrial innovation.