Philippines introduces bill mandating recycling label

Manila, Philippines, May 2026 - The Philippines is moving toward clearer recycling information on consumer packaging with the introduction of House Bill No. 9281, the Philippine Recycling Labeling Act of 2026.

If enacted, the bill would build on and expand the country’s existing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, creating new labeling obligations for companies placing packaged consumer products on the Philippine market. The proposal would apply broadly to manufacturers, importers, retailers, and suppliers of consumer packaged products.

A key feature of the bill is a mandatory recycling mark on all consumer product packaging. The label would need to identify the specific material composition of the packaging, such as PET, HDPE, PP, paper, aluminum, or glass.

The packaging would also need to clearly state whether the material is recyclable in the Philippines using one of the following claims:

• Recyclable in PH

• Recyclable Nationwide

• Recyclable in Special Facilities

• Not Recyclable in PH

In addition, companies would need to provide disposal instructions for the packaging. Depending on the material, the label must direct consumers to either “Segregate under Recyclables” or “Dispose as Residual Waste.”

The bill would also require packaging to disclose the percentage of recycled material used, where applicable. For example, a package could state: “Made with 30% recycled plastic.”

The proposed law also sets minimum size requirements for recycling labels. The recycling label must occupy at least 2% of the total surface area of the packaging and may not be smaller than 2 square centimeters for every 100 square centimeters of packaging surface area.

For flexible packaging, the Philippine recycling label may be printed directly on the package, sleeved, banded, or attached by adhesive. The bill would also allow labels to include QR codes that link consumers to recyclability databases or additional recycling information.

Implications for business

If passed, the measure would create a more standardized recycling communication system for consumer packaging in the Philippines and could require companies to reassess packaging artwork, material claims, disposal instructions, and recycled-content disclosures before placing products on the market. It could also increase compliance risk for companies if recycling, disposal, or recycled-content claims are inaccurate or unsupported. To reduce potential liability, companies may need to obtain reliable information from suppliers, conduct rigorous testing, and/or verify that any packaging-related claims are truthful, accurate, and properly substantiated.