Innovation

Over the years, Papemelroti has evolved into a pioneer of eco-friendly practices. The business was among the first to use unbleached brown kraft paper, significantly lessening the environmental impact by avoiding harmful bleaching agents. Unlike conventional white paper, which involves toxic chemical processes, their brown kraft paper is eco-conscious and sustainable. Papemelroti's commitment to sustainability extends beyond paper. They specialize in upcycling and creatively reusing waste materials. The store repurposes newspapers and old paper into items such as albums, calendars, and gift wrapping. Plastic bottles are transformed into piggy banks, and paper rolls and Yakult bottles are crafted into doll figures. They also utilize reclaimed wood for various products, including furniture, shelving, and wall art, often sourced from crates that once transported bulky items like elevators or car parts.

Additionally, Papemelroti has collaborated with optical retailers to recycle discarded eyeglass lenses into unique magnets and necklaces. For years, the company has encouraged customers to bring in recyclable materials for repurposing, further reducing their environmental footprint. Items accepted include, but are not limited to, used domino tiles, computer keyboards, bubble wrap, and old watches, which can be dropped off at any of their branches. They ensure all aspects of their production, including packaging, are made from 100% recycled materials.

Inspiration

The Alejandro siblings attribute Papemelroti's success to their mother's talent, Corit, for creating something valuable out of things that people would throw away. She liked to call herself an ordinary housewife but was always a woman with a mission. Their mother instilled in them the value of viewing waste from a different perspective, encouraging creativity, and seeing it as an opportunity to create something beautiful. Another remarkable aspect of this family is their strong faith. They credit the success of their business venture to God and believe that they will be able to overcome any challenges that come their way. "God is the one who sustains our business. We started in 1967, so ang tagal na di ba (it's been a long time, hasn't it)? I believe that God is also the source of our creativity. I believe that creativity is like a muscle. The more you use it, the more it will grow. Kids are very creative, but when they grow older, they don't use it anymore. Pero kami (but for us), as a family, we continued to know how to use it, so we kept innovating the designs, products, and everything. We have liked working together as a family from the very start; we are involved in molding figurines out of clay, painting, and making decoupage up to selling. That is important, and it has sustained us."

When asked what she deeply values about their business and their secret to being in the industry for decades, Patsy said, "Another important thing is that a business must have a personality. A business is not just about making money; it's an expression of the best of yourself. Our business reflects our personalities individually and as a family—what's important to us. These are commitment to God, commitment to our country, and commitment to our environment. We also want to share the importance of craftsmanship and tradition." For them, it is a form of self-expression meant to be shared with others. That's why, apart from offering these products to Filipinos, they also host art workshops for impoverished communities to share their talents.

Overall impact

Papemelroti's motto, "Hands to work. Hearts to God," reflects their commitment to practicing what they preach. Local artisans and partner suppliers proudly produce their items in the Philippines. Each purchase supports their many livelihood programs. They continue to impact lives by providing sustainable livelihoods through fair wages, even though they face challenges when suppliers cannot meet production demands or request cash advances due to living hand to mouth. Many of their products are created by people in need. They partner with organizations like the Kidney Friends Foundation of the Philippines to support dialysis patients who face employment and help provide a source of income that can be made at home. Patsy highlighted the brand's commitment to empowering Filipino families. "Although we could source from China for lower prices and larger quantities, we choose to support Filipino families by sourcing from them. We believe we have a responsibility to help our country."

Papemelroti holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up discovering its unique offerings, from gift items and stationery to home decor. For over half a century, the store has thrived on its founding principle—love. Many of their products reflect values dear to the family, such as love for God, family, home, country, and the environment. Patsy shared that during her interview with a prominent TV journalist, if Patsy ever wrote a book about the business, she should contribute the journalist's story. During a challenging period in her youth, when her parents were separating, she found comfort in visiting the store. The messages of hope and Bible verses she read there encouraged her. She noted, "It can impact personal lives. She's just one. I'm sure there are others." A visit to a Papemelroti store promises to be an uplifting and inspiring experience.

Business benefit

From its origins as a small, family-operated shop, Papemelroti has expanded to over 20 branches, providing stable employment for more than 100 people. They have a factory in Bulacan with housing for employees and a building along Roces Avenue that houses the main branch and offices of the business. Their online presence through their website, papemelroti.com, platforms like Lazada and Shopee, and social media channels allow them to reach customers globally. Notably, many of their employees have long tenure with the company. Patsy remarked, "Loyal staff goes a long way," noting that during the pandemic, their dedicated employees played a crucial role in the company's survival by ensuring the business remained operational. Papemelroti takes pride in being a business with a conscience, prioritizing both people and the environment.

The company supports local artisans by featuring their designs in Papemelroti's products, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and helping to preserve traditional craftsmanship. Papemelroti also promotes Philippine cultural heritage through its designs, celebrating and maintaining the country's rich traditions and artistry. Their dedication to artistry and environmental stewardship has earned recognition from the Finnish Embassy. In 2015, founder Corit Alejandro received the "Person of the Year" Posthumous Award. Papemelroti shares their employees' aspirations for the business and looks forward to fostering more Philippine entrepreneurs to develop local talent and produce high-quality items for the local market.

Social and environmental benefit

Papemelroti significantly promotes environmental and societal well-being through its commitment to eco-friendly practices and policies. A central part of their environmental efforts is the Papemelroti Planet Patrol (PPP), which focuses on raising public awareness about critical ecological issues. These include recycling, effective waste management, protecting endangered species, and conserving energy and water resources.

Through these initiatives, Papemelroti actively supports the zero-waste movement by striving to minimize waste production and manage solid waste more effectively. Their upcycling practices illustrate how sustainability can be economically advantageous and socially responsible. Using recycled paper and reclaimed materials, Papemelroti helps minimize deforestation, which is essential for preserving forests and maintaining ecological balance.

Patsy stated, "For the environment, we have used recycled papers and reclaimed wood since the 70s. During that time, brown and unbleached papers were used for the pambalot ng pandesal (bread wrapper). Because we started using it, people got used to it, and they began to appreciate the earthy look, and now it's all over the place, right? We're all for sustainability." This strategy emphasizes Papemelroti's dedication to sustainable methods and demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the environment and improving the community's well-being.

Interview

Patricia "Patsy" Alejandro-Paterno, Owner