Innovation

Luminary PH’s innovation is simple yet effective. Most households buy new products when they run out of them rather than refilling them. However, the problem with this is that they spend more for a new container and create more waste. So, Luminary PH decided to make refilling convenient and advantageous for households by offering a refilling service at the heart of the Bangkal community. A community that has numerous households. Now, when households in the community run out of refillable food and cleaning products, they can go to Luminary PH to not only conveniently save money but also reduce their waste. This simple idea embodies the triple bottom line structure as the people of the Bangkal community receive better services, and the waste in the community is decreased while still securing a profit.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind the concept store of Luminary PH is from their grandmother named “Luminada,” where grandmother created a similar business when she was younger. The owner said that they "built on what the grandmother did previously and started this company. It originally started with nuts but then added services of collecting plastics and refilling." Luminary PH then expanded into spices, baking materials, teas, sustainable toothbrushes and different brushes, and refillable household products (e.g., detergents, fabric softeners, and detergents that are outsourced or made in-house). They are also inspired to make a difference within their community of Bangkal, Makati, by being provided the option of buying small quantities of spices they need for cooking.

Overall impact

Since its establishment in 2020, Luminary PH has shown an impressive commitment to promoting sustainability and community well-being. The owner stated "it was a good start in 2020 as people were in the house only so they had a hard time going to the grocery and since their reach was residential area people opted to go there and refill during COVID. It boomed during the pandemic." Luminary has made significant strides toward reducing waste and minimizing its carbon footprint by prioritizing refillable products and sourcing locally. This approach aligns with the environmental goals and fosters a more sustainable supply chain, illustrating their dedication to reducing single-use packaging waste and promoting eco-friendly consumption practices within the Bangkal area and hopefully to more localities in the near future.

Business benefit

Implementing the idea of not utilizing single-use packaging together with the promotion of a zero-waste lifestyle offers a multitude of business benefits that contribute to sustainability, consumer satisfaction, and financial success. These initiatives stimulate innovation and foster product differentiation. Businesses that embrace sustainable packaging solutions and zero-waste practices often invest in research and development to create innovative products and processes. This innovation can set companies apart from competitors, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and open up new market opportunities, ultimately driving growth and market leadership.

Moreover, embracing no single-use packaging and zero-waste promotion can help businesses comply with regulatory requirements and meet evolving sustainability standards. Companies can mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and position themselves as leaders in corporate social responsibility by proactively addressing environmental concerns and adopting responsible business practices.

Social and environmental benefit

Luminary PH's community engagement efforts in the Bangkal community in Makati City, Philippines, promote convenience, cost savings, and waste reduction through refillable food and cleaning products. This approach not only benefits customers but also strengthens community bonds and fosters a sense of shared responsibility toward sustainable living. Moreover, Luminary PH's commitment to affordability ensures that sustainable living remains accessible to all, empowering people from diverse backgrounds to make environmentally responsible choices without financial strain. Additionally, their emphasis on local sourcing supports the economic growth of the community and creates a sustainable supply chain that benefits both producers and consumers.

Furthermore, Luminary PH's promotion of refillable packaging significantly reduces waste in the community, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment. Their proactive approach minimizes the environmental impact of single-use packaging and encourages customers to embrace sustainable choices. Furthermore, Luminary PH inspires customers to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by offering alternatives to single-use packaging and promoting reusable containers, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and fostering responsible consumption practices. Additionally, their innovative approach sets an example for other businesses and individuals, inspiring innovation and positive environmental actions in the community and beyond.

Interview

AC, Operating Manager