Innovation

SIDE B Upcycling Retail Inc. is an innovative enterprise transforming waste materials into valuable products, aligning its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are standing by with their business mindset of "Environmental stewardship through Filipino craftsmanship." Founded in 2021, SIDE B operates with excellent Filipino artisans to repurpose waste materials into quality products such as bags, footwear, and caps. The main initiative of their business is to upcycle waste materials and turn them into quality and durable apparel, making the irrelevant wastes into relevant goods.

The company addresses SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by employing upcycling techniques to repurpose materials that would otherwise contribute to landfills. Their innovative solution involves using sustainable, recycled, and biodegradable materials in their product manufacturing processes. This approach reduces waste and conserves natural resources by lowering the demand for raw materials.

In addition to its focus on sustainable production, SIDE B actively engages with local communities to promote SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). They collaborate with community members such as craftsmen and private organizations to create upcycling projects that provide employment opportunities, especially for marginalized populations. They educate the public on upcycling and sustainability, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. This community engagement helps revitalize urban spaces using upcycled materials, contributing to the beautification and sustainability of cities.

SIDE B also significantly addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action). The company implements measures to minimize its carbon footprint, such as adopting energy-efficient processes and utilizing technology. They continually conduct product lifecycle assessments to improve and reduce their environmental impact. Additionally, SIDE B engages in advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote climate action among their customers and the broader community. By integrating these SDGs into their business strategy, SIDE B Upcycling Retail Inc. contributes to global sustainability efforts and sets a precedent for other businesses to follow, demonstrating the economic viability of sustainable practices while creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

SIDE B Upcycling Retail Inc. Media Exposure and Social Engagements

Inspiration

The founder of Side B Upcycling Retail Inc., Stu Balmaceda, said, "At first it was a creative outlet for me. But I knew that I can pursue this." He wanted to set up and build his own sustainable business from surplus waste materials, as he saw from other local and international brands that it is a business with a purpose. He wants to highlight the local craftsmen in the Philippines, as he said, "Our main ethos is to champion the local craftsmen in the Philippines." He highlighted that he wants to allow Filipino talent and that Filipinos can make quality products by weaving and repurposing waste materials into totally new and quality products.

Stu also mentioned wanting to collaborate with private organizations on their corporate social responsibility efforts and saw an opportunity with Side B Upcycling PH.

Sustainability is Mr. Balmaceda's passion, and he used this passion to make a living out of it while doing a responsible business, helping the environment, and helping the local craftsmen have stable jobs as well in making the different products and projects for Side B. He said, "It feels like I am hitting many birds with one stone, which is SIDE B. Helping the society and the environment while a living out of it."

Lastly, he shared that in the Philippines, he is aware that "Sustainability is not that much of a thing in the country." Hence, he saw the inspiration to build one for everyone to see that Filipinos can do it and that Filipinos are capable of making sustainable efforts through retail business.

Overall impact

SIDE B Upcycling PH is an innovative business in the Philippines focused on converting waste materials into valuable products such as bags, shoes, and other apparel. The company excels in upcycling, a creative process that transforms discarded materials into functional and artistic products.

In the short term, SIDE B's innovative upcycling practices have led to a noticeable reduction in waste sent to landfills. This immediate impact is evidenced by the volume of waste materials the company has diverted and repurposed into new products. Additionally, the company's engagement initiatives with local artisans have provided immediate employment opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities, helping to alleviate economic disparities and foster a culture of environmental responsibility through educational workshops and training sessions.

In the long term, SIDE B's efforts have contributed to broader environmental and social changes. The company's initiatives have led to sustained reductions in resource consumption by lowering the demand for new raw materials, as evidenced by the consistent use of recycled inputs in their production processes. Urban revitalization projects using upcycled materials have improved the aesthetics and sustainability of urban spaces, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Moreover, SIDE B's climate action strategies, such as minimizing carbon emissions through energy-efficient processes, have had a lasting impact on reducing their overall environmental footprint. This long-term success is supported by lifecycle assessments and continuous improvements in their operations, demonstrating the viability and sustainability of their innovative approach. Using technology in their business will even help the cause of sustainability – as they will be able to eliminate more of the manual processes of the present.

Business benefit

Side B Upcycling Retail Inc. has consistently highlighted "Environmental stewardship through Filipino craftsmanship" as its primary purpose. They have employed many locals from different provinces who can weave, saw, and organize waste materials into new products. The company wants to champion and recognize these craftsmen as the primary artists who build these products, not just mere employees. They have collaborated with over 100 artisans, artists, and staff from different provinces in the Philippines and partnered with other corporations to help with the CSR efforts with Side B Upcycling Retail Inc. Employees are being paid on a "per project" basis and are looking into a more systematized compensation moving forward. Mr. Balmaceda has openly shared about having fixed compensation for their workers so they can have a more stable job and livelihood.

They have also been opening and offering new products. They started at first with bags. Now, they sell footwear, caps, and other apparel made from repurposed materials. He also said, "Watch out for new releases that are timely, as we will be able to integrate new technology in terms of upcycling."

Side B Upcycling Retail Inc. has also opened new investment opportunities, as it was able to lock and secure partnerships with big companies. Because of its consistent sustainability efforts and advocacy, it has more business opportunities and a broader market reach.

Social and environmental benefit

SIDE B Upcycling Retail Inc. creates significant environmental and societal benefits through its innovative approach to waste management. According to founder and designer Stu Balmaceda, "We want to help create livelihoods for our talented Filipino craftsmen" and "to showcase their talents not only locally but also internationally."

By transforming waste materials into valuable products, the company reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, cutting down on environmental pollution and fostering a more sustainable environment. Through upcycling, SIDE B conserves natural resources by lowering the demand for raw materials and encourages the reuse of existing materials, contributing to a circular economy. Additionally, implementing eco-friendly production methods and energy-efficient processes helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

On the societal front, SIDE B provides job opportunities in the upcycling sector, benefiting marginalized communities and fostering economic growth. The company also empowers individuals by creating livelihood for artisans, providing upskilling workshops and training, raising awareness, and promoting a culture of environmental responsibility. By collaborating with local communities on upcycling projects, SIDE B enhances social cohesion and encourages collective action towards sustainability. SIDE B Upcycling Retail Inc. tackles critical environmental challenges and contributes to social and economic development through these comprehensive initiatives, exemplifying a holistic approach to sustainability.

Interview

Stu Balmaceda, Founder