Mentos Philippines Upcycles Plastic Waste into Eco-Friendly Bus Terminal Benches for Commuters

Through its partnership with PCX Markets (PCX), Perfetti Van Melle Philippines has upcycled over 1,000 kilograms of plastic waste into 100 Mentos benches, which have been distributed to bus terminals across the country.

As part of its Mentos “Yes to Fresh” campaign, Perfetti Van Melle is introducing sustainable solutions to refresh Filipino commuters, particularly during peak travel periods like the All Saints’ Day long weekend (Undas) and the upcoming Holiday season. The brand has made these Mentos-blue benches available in major bus terminals in Batangas, Naga, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro, providing commuters with comfortable seating while waiting for their buses.

These benches, made from 100% recycled plastic, will remain as permanent fixtures, giving new life to plastic waste that could otherwise pollute the environment or end up in landfills. Along with the benches, Mentos has also distributed candies and other treats to enhance the commuter experience.

“We have a unique opportunity to drive positive change by integrating sustainability into our brand initiatives. By upcycling plastic waste into these refreshing benches, we’re not only providing comfort but also supporting the development of a circular economy for plastic in the Philippines,” said David Roos, Managing Director of Perfetti Van Melle Philippines.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Perfetti Van Melle has a strong global commitment to sustainability, aiming to reduce its environmental footprint. The company continues to focus on reducing plastic in packaging and finding alternatives to plastic materials. In the Philippines, it collaborates with PCX Markets to support projects that divert plastic waste from nature. In addition to the Upcycled Benches initiative, Perfetti Van Melle backs recycling projects and social impact initiatives such as the Aling Tindera waste-to-cash program, empowering women micro-entrepreneurs to champion sustainability in their communities.

“This initiative is a great example of how businesses can help fund the cleanup of plastic waste, create a circular economy, and drive demand for sustainable products,” said Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director of PCX Markets, a global platform for responsible plastic waste recovery and processing.

By turning plastic waste into something valuable, Mentos Philippines is not only enhancing commuter comfort but also contributing to a more sustainable future.