Jollibee Group enters partnership to convert food waste into sustainable fertilizer to help Filipino farmers

The Jollibee Group, as part of its Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda, has partnered with Nutricycle Inc. to launch an innovative food waste-to-fertilizer initiative—a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership, which began early this year, will divert approximately 1572 metric tons of organic waste away from landfills and is initially set to continue for the rest of 2025.

By repurposing food waste that would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution, the initiative will transform waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This effort not only mitigates landfill waste but also turns an environmental challenge into a positive impact on both the planet and smallholder farming communities.

Food waste no longer suitable for consumption will be collected from Jollibee Group’s facilities, and processed through Nutricycle’s organic waste management system, which uses black soldier flies to break down organic matter and convert it into nutrient-rich fertilizer. This sustainable process is expected to yield an estimated 480-960 bags of fertilizer annually. Half of the output will be donated to farmers through the Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), while the other half will be endorsed to DENR Calabarzon to support the National Greening Program.

The FEP is a long-standing initiative that equips smallholder farmers with the training, market access, and business skills needed to become reliable suppliers of high-quality agricultural products to institutional buyers such as the Jollibee Group.

This initiative contributes to the development of a circular economy, where waste is transformed into valuable agricultural inputs that, in turn, help farmers grow crops that eventually become part of Jollibee Group’s food products.

“This partnership is part of our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while finding meaningful ways to support our communities,” said Pepot Minana, Global Chief Sustainability Officer of Jollibee Group. “By integrating circular economy solutions into our supply chain, we aim to create a lasting impact—not just for our business, but for the environment and the people we serve.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Jollibee Group in pioneering sustainable waste solutions,” said Dino Simbulan, President of Nutricycle Inc. “With their scale and commitment to sustainability, this partnership sets a strong example for how companies can take proactive steps toward environmental responsibility.”

A Step Forward in Jollibee Group’s Waste Reduction Agenda

This latest initiative builds on Jollibee Group’s ongoing commitment to responsible waste management, which includes previous efforts such as Mang Inasal’s Marilao Commissary achieving zero-waste-to-landfill status and the company’s broader environmental programs under the Planet Pillar of its Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda.

“We’ve made important strides in strengthening sustainable business practices at our supply chain facilities across the country,” shared Michael Ong, President of Jollibee Group Manufacturing and Logistics – Philippines. “In the past four years, we increased our volume of sustainably disposed waste away from landfill, from 24% in 2020 to 62.5% by the end of 2024, manifesting our commitment to the environment and the dedication of our people. Our partnership with Nutricycle Inc. will help us take this journey further.”

Another notable achievement in Jollibee Group’s sustainability efforts is the 44% cumulative reduction in food loss and waste across its Philippine manufacturing sites by the end of 2024 (vs 2020 baseline) despite increasing production volumes.

Beyond waste reduction, Jollibee Group remains committed to its larger sustainability goals, including the responsible sourcing of raw materials, energy efficiency, and community-based programs that strengthen its long-term impact on both business and society.

“Sustainability is not just about reducing waste—it’s about ensuring a better future for the next generation,” said Monina Cacayan, Vice President and Head of Jollibee Worldwide Services, Finance & Accounting and Human Resources. “By collaborating and working together with partners like Nutricycle, we can achieve more, not just for our company, but for our children and their children too.”

For more information on Jollibee Group’s sustainability initiatives, visit Jollibee Group’s official website.