“WOMEN IN CIRCULARITY“: TURNING WASTE INTO WORTH

Beiersdorf’s global initiative “Women in Circularity” strengthens recycling infrastructures and empowers female waste workers in emerging economies. Entering its second phase, we spoke to key people behind the impact to learn how the program is turning waste into opportunity.

Luisa Robles Vega: Success for the “Women in Circularity” program means over 1,600 women in waste management gaining access to training, health education, occupational safety, and basic healthcare services. Embedded in local communities and supporting the scale-up of infrastructure, the program will enable the recycling of an additional 15,000 tons of plastic waste annually, once the project organizations have reached their full operational capacity. The program supports eight organizations across eight countries with funds to deliver on these goals: Delterra (Argentina), Recycle Up! Ghana (Ghana), Green Worms (India), Taka Taka Solutions (Kenya), PLAF (Philippines), Sustainindo (Indonesia), Sinba (Peru), and RePurpose (South Africa). 

Marwan PJ: Thanks to “Beiersdorf’s Women in Circularity Program”, we’ve strengthened our recycling processes, expanded our Material Recovery Facility operations, and improved welfare benefits for our staff. That’s meant building a more reliable supply chain for low-value plastics and significantly increasing the volume of waste we recover from 25,000 to 60,000 metric tons. From a social perspective, we’ve been able to offer better working conditions, introduce standardized wages, and provide health support, improving job security, wellbeing, and dignity in the waste management sector.

Marwan PJ: Women’s leadership in waste management has really grown, especially among our self-help group members, which are community-based female collectives that play a key role in local recycling efforts. Our women waste collector network has grown from 4,000 to over 6,800 members, with more than 80% of them reporting greater income stability. That kind of change doesn’t just affect individuals, it strengthens entire communities.

Marwan PJ: We’re focused on building long-term revenue streams. By developing a market for low-value recycled granules, we’ve created a business model that sustains both our operations and our partners. Additionally, we’re converting 100% of our non-recyclable dry waste into alternative fuels for the cement industry. Another exciting stride was launching a new flexible film recycling plant with a capacity of 5,000 tons of material per year. These innovations help us stay resilient and continue turning plastic waste into valuable material.

Engr. Krisha G. Rubia: Despite collecting millions of kilograms of plastic waste, processing capacity limits PLAF’s impact. Through the partnership with Beiersdorf, we aim to expand recycling operations and upgrade technology to scale processing speed. This will help address plastic pollution and related social issues, like urban flooding caused by clogged drains, enabling proactive waste management that benefits communities and the environment.

Engr. Krisha G. Rubia: Through the fund, PLAF can support female waste workers with health programs, including vaccinations, insurance, and regular check-ups, alongside financial benefits like health allowances and maternity leave. We also provide scholarships for their children. Creating a culture of care ensures women feel respected and secure, empowering them as advocates for sustainability and change within their communities.

“Women in Circularity” is more than a recycling initiative, it’s a movement for lasting change. By enabling local organizations and empowering communities in emerging economies, Beiersdorf is supporting an inclusive society and circular solutions that last. Learn more about ”Women in Circularity”.