By Mayan Sangil, PRA
The 2024 Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards Night, held last September 25, 2024 at Solaire Resort North, showcased the industry’s commitment to sustainability as it honored the winners of the prestigious Sustainability Award. Among the highlights of the evening were the OFR Sustainability Awards, recognizing retail businesses that have embraced ethical, eco-friendly practices and integrated sustainability into their core operations.
The Sustainability Award acknowledges retail companies that demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to business, aligning profitability with planet-conscious initiatives. From reducing environmental impact to adopting innovative technologies, this award honors retailers who future-proof their organizations through sustainable efforts in the small, medium, and large categories.
OFR Sustainability Award (Small Category): HUMAN
With 25 years in the industry and 30 store branches, HUMAN, a local retail apparel brand, took home the Sustainability Award in the Small Category for its trailblazing approach to sustainable fashion. HUMAN’s collaboration with Proudrace has resulted in an innovative reuse of materials, transforming old denim stocks and recycled garments into contemporary collections.
From repurposing old denim into new fashion pieces to creating head accessories and bags from recycled garments, HUMAN has successfully minimized textile waste and reduced its environmental footprint. This commitment to eco-conscious practices reflects a long-term vision of sustainability that has become an integral part of its operations. HUMAN’s efforts not only conserve resources but also set an inspiring example for other small retailers.
OFR Sustainability Award (Medium Category): ALDO
Global footwear brand ALDO, with 17 years in the Philippines and 31 store branches, was awarded the Sustainability Award in the Medium Category for its comprehensive approach to ethical retailing. ALDO’s Love Planet Collection embodies the brand’s dedication to sustainability, featuring products made from Leather Working Group (LWG) certified leather and recycled polyester fibers sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles.
ALDO’s environmental impact extends beyond products. Through partnerships such as GForest, the brand has planted 1,200 mangrove seedlings in Culion, Palawan, benefiting local families and contributing to coastal conservation. ALDO has also revolutionized its packaging, eliminating 10 million single-use plastic bags annually and preserving 11,000 trees by using shoe boxes made from 80% recycled fibers. This holistic approach to sustainability positions ALDO as a leader in responsible fashion retail.
OFR Sustainability Award (Large Category): WILCON DEPOT
For the second time, Wilcon Depot, the country’s premier home improvement and construction supply retailer, was awarded the Sustainability Award in the Large Category for its outstanding environmental initiatives. With 47 years in the industry and 96 branches, Wilcon Depot is setting the benchmark for sustainability in retail by integrating green technology and responsible practices into its operations.
Wilcon Depot’s flagship sustainability initiative involves designing its big-box stores to maximize natural light, reducing energy consumption. The company’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its extensive use of solar panels, powering 54% of its branches and offsetting 1,222 tons of carbon emissions annually—the equivalent of planting 2.5 million trees. Wilcon Depot also employs HVLS fans for efficient cooling, rain harvesting systems to conserve water, and promotes eco-friendly operations through paperless transactions and recycling programs.
Wilcon Depot’s Sustainable Shopper Bag initiative and its partnerships with like-minded suppliers ensure that sustainability is woven into every aspect of its business, reaffirming its position as a true sustainability leader in the retail sector.
Retailers Leading the Way in Sustainability
The 2024 OFR Awards Night underscored the critical role retailers play in promoting sustainability. HUMAN, ALDO, and Wilcon Depot, each representing different sectors and scales, have proven that integrating sustainability into core operations is not only beneficial for the environment but also enhances business resilience and consumer loyalty.
Their efforts serve as a model for the entire industry, demonstrating that sustainability is a key driver of long-term success. As the retail sector continues to evolve, the achievements of these retailers offer inspiration and a roadmap for others to follow in their footsteps.
The PRA expresses its gratitude to the generous sponsors of the 2024 OFR Awards Night. This event was made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsor SM Retail, Gold Sponsor Robinsons Malls, and Silver Sponsors Bench and CLN. Additional thanks go to Airspeed, SM Supermalls, and Outbound Asia Inc. for their sponsorship, as well as to Avolution, the Official LED Partner. The PRA extends its appreciation to its Media Partners—Businessworld, The Manila Times, Mediablitz Group, The Philippine Star, and Philippine Daily Inquirer—for their continued support in celebrating the excellence of Filipino retailers.
