Leaders from the creative, academic, paper printing, and packaging industry gathered at the AIM Conference Center recently for Paperception, a sustainability event hosted by Prestige Paper Products.
Paper, often seen as an ordinary, everyday item, was redefined as a metaphor for new beginnings and boundless creativity. Celebrating the potential of paper as a symbol of innovation and transformation, the event placed sustainability at the heart of cross-sector dialogue.
Kicking off the event, Albert See, President of the Printing Association of the Philippines; Vicky Tan, Chairperson of Global Compact Network Philippines and Executive Director at Ayala Corporation; and Cristy Oreta, President of the Philippine Marketing Association, echoed one message: Sustainability starts with all of us—and with something as simple as paper.
Paperception invited Ruth Toreno, Southeast Asia Area Manager of Fedrigoni Specialty Papers, to share the company’s initiatives toward carbon reduction, circular design, and eco-certifications.
Mary Joy Paico from the Department of Science and Technology presented research and technologies in paper design - including the use of pineapple fibers and other biodegradable alternatives for everyday packaging materials.
With efforts from both private and public sectors shared, the event proceeded with panel discussions on the topics “Sustainability in Design” and “Partnership between Industry and Academe for Sustainability” moderated by Ping Manongdo, Country Director at Eco-Business.
Sustainability in Design: Creativity for a Greener Future
As part of the panel, Jos Ortega, Chairman and CEO of Havas Ortega shared an introduction to how sustainability is embedded in good design. From material sourcing to brand messaging, sustainable choices empower designers to create with purpose.
"Sustainability is not a limitation on creativity but a catalyst. Designing sustainably involves reducing harm and innovating. The craft of design is elevated through sustainable practices. Sustainable design tells stories of stewardship and hope, contributing to environmental healing."
From there, panelists Ara Bella Castillo, Account Director at PMG; Joy Paico, Science Research Specialist at the DOST’s Packaging Technology Division, and Liza Flores, a renowned illustrator from Studio Dialogo chimed in, exploring the opportunities and challenges of sustainability in design and communications.
The discussion centered on the need to rethink material use, reduce packaging waste, and integrate sustainability into branding and messaging. The conversation explored balancing innovation with cost, ensuring authenticity in sustainability claims, and using data and AI responsibly. Despite challenges, all agreed on the creative industry’s power to influence consumer behavior and advocate for change.
Industry and Academe: Building Sustainable Education Pathways
As a springboard for the panel, Manongdo cited a 2023 LinkedIn report which revealed that the global demand for sustainability-related skills is growing twice as fast as the supply of qualified professionals. This has sustainability roles going unfilled and graduates lacking the practical experience that industries seek.
Aazin Carl Sumalinog from National University, Romeo Catap Jr. of the College of St. Benilde’s Industrial Design program, Greg Borja from San Beda University, and Dulzzi Gutierrez of Mint College then discussed how education institutions are preparing the next generation of designers and problem-solvers to meet the demands of sustainability in the workforce.
Schools are integrating sustainability into their curriculum by teaching students to consider the full life cycle of products — from carbon footprints to sustainable production and user-centered design, as shared by Catap. Meanwhile, Borja and Gutierrez emphasized values-based education and real-world impact through student-led initiatives and partnerships that promote social responsibility.
“One thing that we would like to ask the industry to add to your paradigm, maybe include us. Maybe include the learners. Because while we are moving forward in the industry, your sleeping giants are in our classrooms,” shared Catap.
Panelists stressed the importance of partnerships between schools and industries to prepare students for emerging roles in sustainability
Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility
Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals - Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production and more – the event concluded with a powerful message: sustainability is a collective effort.
Paperception 2025 served as a vital platform for bridging gaps between sectors and aligning on a shared commitment to a more responsible, creative, and sustainable future.
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