JACINTO TAN
De La Salle University Manila
Pia Manalastas
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Magwayen Organics, Inc. (MAGWAI) is on a mission to preserve the Philippines' marine life while providing a product experience that its customers will adore. MAGWAI initially introduced a Reef-Safe Sunscreen as a means to decrease the chemical pollution that poses a threat to coral reefs. Furthermore, their quest for environmentally friendly options has resulted in the creation of additional products, such as plastic-free Shampoo Bars and multi-purpose towels crafted from recycled plastic bottles, demonstrating their dedication to caring for marine life.
The innovation involves caring for and preserving marine life by creating personal care products that are friendly to the marine environment in the Philippines while enabling consumers to transition to effective and sustainable alternatives. The primary UN Sustainable Development Goal that MAGWAI meet is SGD No. 15: Life Below Water.
“If people keep on using chemical sunscreens that are proven to have long-term and detrimental effects to our marine life, then we must learn to look and patronize alternative products that will help both protect and conserve marine life” - Ms. Czar.
MAGWAI is a physical sunscreen that utilizes cosmetic-grade zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its active ingredients to provide physical sun protection. Designed with the coral reef in mind, these ingredients safeguard your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays while ensuring its safety for the delicate ecosystem of the coral reefs in the Philippines.
Unlike chemical sunscreens (i.e., Oxybenzone, Butylparaben Octinoxate, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, etc.), physical sunscreens employ mineral components that pose no harm to coral reefs. Moreover, physical sunscreens offer enhanced safety for your skin by creating a protective layer that deflects detrimental UVA and UVB rays. In contrast, chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin and may potentially lead to irritations and allergic reactions.
“When my colleague, Maffy, and I were still in advertising, we love to go to the beach, and we learned that the sunscreens available at the market are toxic to our coral reefs. So, we started our own reef-safe sunscreen. We believed in ourselves and our passion to do better” - Ms. Czar.
Driven by her profound love for the ocean and passion for diving, Ms. Czar was deeply troubled by the lack of reef-safe sunscreen options in the market. This frustration became the catalyst for her and her co-founders to embark on a mission to create a solution specifically tailored to the Philippine market. Thus, MAGWAI was born—a brand committed to pioneering marine-friendly personal care products that seamlessly blend functionality, sustainability, and environmental consciousness.
MAGWAI's dedication to marine life conservation extends beyond its remarkable reef-safe sunscreen. The brand's unwavering commitment to innovation paves the way for an expanded product line that encompasses a diverse range of offerings. For instance, MAGWAI's shampoo bars represent a revolutionary step forward in personal care, as they are meticulously crafted to be free of plastic packaging. By embracing this eco-friendly alternative, MAGWAI demonstrates its unwavering commitment to reducing plastic waste and preserving the pristine beauty of our oceans.
Furthermore, MAGWAI's innovative spirit continues to thrive with its towels made from recycled plastic bottles. By transforming discarded plastic into functional and stylish towels, MAGWAI showcases its remarkable ability to turn waste into something valuable and sustainable. These towels not only serve as a testament to the brand's ingenuity but also highlight its unwavering dedication to fostering a circular economy and combating plastic pollution.
With a holistic approach to marine life conservation, MAGWAI goes above and beyond a single reef-safe sunscreen. Its vision encompasses a comprehensive range of products that redefine the norms of personal care, empowering consumers to make choices that align with their values. By embracing MAGWAI and its diverse offerings, individuals can confidently contribute to the preservation of our oceans and take part in the collective effort to create a more sustainable future.
“As a company, we want to be responsible and make sure we have a good contribution to the environment as a business” - Ms. Czar
In addition to its groundbreaking advancements in reef-safe sunscreens, MAGWAI is at the forefront of advocating for a sustainable alternative to traditional commercial shampoos. Recognizing the alarming environmental impact of single-use plastic packaging such as sachets and bottles, MAGWAI passionately champions the use of shampoo bars as an effective solution to minimize plastic waste. Their efforts in this regard have yielded remarkable results, with an impressive 35,500 units of their shampoo bars sold as of May 2023. This achievement alone has translated into a staggering reduction of approximately 124,500 plastic bottles, each with a capacity of 100mL, that would have otherwise been discarded and contributed to the ever-growing issue of plastic pollution.
Beyond its remarkable commitment to reducing plastic waste, MAGWAI consistently demonstrates its unwavering dedication to the preservation of our oceans and marine life. As a testament to their values, MAGWAI proudly aligns itself with the prestigious organization "1% For The Planet." By pledging to donate 1% of its earnings to this impactful cause, MAGWAI exemplifies its genuine concern for the well-being of our planet and its commitment to making a tangible difference. Through this partnership, MAGWAI actively contributes to various initiatives aimed at protecting our oceans, conserving marine habitats, and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
MAGWAI's multifaceted approach to environmental conservation extends far beyond the realm of sunscreen innovation. With their advocacy for shampoo bars and their invaluable contributions as a member of "1% For The Planet," MAGWAI embodies a holistic commitment to driving positive change. By supporting MAGWAI's products and initiatives, individuals can actively participate in the collective effort to mitigate plastic waste, protect our oceans, and safeguard the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Together, we can forge a path toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world.
“We want our eco-friendly products to be more mainstream and getting into one of the mainstream pharmacies is a meaningful milestone to us,” - Ms. Czar.
MAGWAI has successfully forged a prominent presence in the renowned diving spots and breathtaking beach destinations that grace the picturesque landscapes of the Philippines. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence, MAGWAI has established key partnerships with hotels, allowing them to reach discerning travelers who prioritize environmentally conscious personal care products. However, their achievements extend far beyond the confines of the hospitality industry.
One of MAGWAI's notable milestones on its journey to success was securing coveted product placements at Watson's, one of the largest and most esteemed health and beauty retail chains in the Philippines. This strategic collaboration has proven to be a game-changer for MAGWAI, as it has enabled them to expand their reach exponentially and connect with a broader consumer base. By gaining exposure on the shelves of Watson's, MAGWAI has not only increased brand visibility but also witnessed a significant surge in sales—a testament to their exceptional products and the growing demand for sustainable and reef-safe personal care options.
While their partnership with Watson's has undoubtedly been a triumph, MAGWAI remains deeply committed to their online presence, where they continue to thrive. Embracing the digital landscape, MAGWAI's in-house online shop continues to serve as a reliable hub for customers seeking their innovative and eco-friendly products. Moreover, they have successfully established a strong presence on popular third-party e-commerce platforms, attracting a diverse range of customers who appreciate the convenience and efficiency of online shopping. Through these digital channels, MAGWAI continues to captivate and cater to a wide audience of environmentally conscious individuals, ensuring that their products are accessible to all, regardless of location.
As MAGWAI's reputation continues to soar, its strategic collaborations with hotels, its product placements at Watson's, and its robust online presence collectively contribute to its remarkable growth and success. By diversifying its distribution channels and embracing both physical and digital platforms, MAGWAI has solidified its position as a flourishing business, dedicated to providing exceptional reef-safe personal care products that resonate with consumers who share their passion for marine life conservation. As they forge ahead, MAGWAI remains committed to expanding its footprint, spreading its message, and empowering individuals worldwide to make sustainable choices that positively impact our oceans and planet.
“At MAGWAI, we always try to be sustainable beyond our own products from start to finish as much as we can” - Ms. Czar.
MAGWAI's dedication to environmental sustainability extends far beyond its implementation of "plastic-free courier packaging" for orders and deliveries from its online shop. Recognizing the urgent need to combat marine plastic pollution, MAGWAI has forged a valuable partnership with a local social enterprise known as The Plastic Flamingo, affectionately referred to as The Plaf. Together, they are actively addressing this critical issue by engaging in the collection and transformation of plastic waste into eco-lumbers.
The collaboration between MAGWAI and The Plastic Flamingo is a beacon of hope in the fight against marine pollution. By rescuing discarded plastic from waterways and coastal areas, they are not only preventing it from reaching the delicate ecosystems of our oceans but also providing a sustainable solution to repurpose this waste. Through their innovative processes, the collected plastic is carefully converted into eco-lumbers, which can be used in various applications, including construction, furniture production, and creative design.
Furthermore, MAGWAI has partnered with Green Antz Builders, a renowned waste management company with expertise in upcycling. Together, they are revolutionizing the concept of waste management by transforming different types of waste materials into valuable resources. By employing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, Green Antz Builders converts waste into construction materials, infrastructure components, and even agricultural resources. This transformative process not only reduces the burden on landfills but also offers a viable alternative to traditional manufacturing methods that heavily rely on virgin materials.
MAGWAI's commitment to sustainable processes and products is commendable. By fostering these partnerships and embracing innovative approaches, they are actively contributing to a higher reduction in plastic waste, both in our precious water bodies and on land. Their unwavering dedication to environmental preservation serves as an inspiration to individuals and businesses alike, demonstrating the profound impact that can be achieved through conscious decision-making and responsible action.
In conclusion, MAGWAI's multifaceted approach to combating plastic waste sets an exemplary standard for corporate environmental responsibility. Through their collaboration with The Plastic Flamingo and Green Antz Builders, they are not only raising awareness about the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution but also actively working towards tangible solutions. By striving for a higher reduction in plastic waste in both water and land, MAGWAI is playing a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
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Czarina Carbonel, CEO/Co-Founder
Magwayen Organics, Inc. (MAGWAI), founded in 2016 by ocean-loving enthusiasts Czar Carbonel and Maffy Tamayo, is on a mission to preserve the marine life in the Philippines by creating personal care products that are friendly to the marine environment in the Philippines while enabling consumers to transition to effective and sustainable alternatives. With a protected and preserved marine ecosystem, everybody wins by ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our planet, benefiting both present and future generations.