Puregold Price Club, one of the Philippines’ largest retail chains with 794 stores across the archipelago, has integrated environmental and social responsibility into operations through waste reduction programs, community support initiatives, and structured ESG reporting aligned with Global Reporting Initiative standards.
The retailer achieved recognition as “Most Chosen Retailer” in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods segment, according to Kantar research, while scoring high on the Sustainability Perception Index reflecting forward-looking environmental responsibility. Parent company Cosco Capital Inc. received the Golden Arrow Award in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard Award for 2022 from the Institute of Corporate Directors, recognizing governance and ethical business practices.
Plastic Collection and Social Responsibility
Puregold’s “Collect and Convert” program addresses plastic waste accumulation in Philippine retail environments. The initiative allows customers to exchange half-kilogram quantities of sachets and plastics for free grocery essentials, creating direct incentive for consumer participation in waste collection while reducing plastic from landfills. Originally launched in 2019, the program was being revived by 2022 as Puregold pivoted toward sustainability alongside entrepreneurship objectives.
“The supermarket industry is among the major contributors of plastic trash in the planet,” noted Ivy Piedad, Senior Manager for Marketing at Puregold, citing UK research indicating that plastic packaging from retailers accounts for 70% of plastic waste. The Collect and Convert program addresses this challenge by positioning customers as active participants in circular economy practices rather than passive consumers.
Puregold also operates “Pusong Panalo,” a social responsibility initiative supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development across communities where the company operates. The program extends education support to schools, including recent partnerships with institutions in the Rizal province.
Operating since 1988 with expansion to 794 stores by 2026, Puregold’s scale across the Philippines positions the chain to influence sustainability practices across retail supply chains while demonstrating viability of circular economy models in emerging market retail environments.
