The SM Supermalls GreenBag Launch

The SM Supermalls GreenBag Launch

January 16, 2009 was the launch of the SM Supermalls GreenBag in the SM Mall of Asia. This marks the second chapter in the Green Bag campaign, which was first introduced in 2007 with Unilever partnering in the initiative.

This year, Unilever has once again collaborated with SM in facilitating with the launch event. The event turned out to be a great success, with the help of many prominent guests in the field of environmental protection and conservation, along with honored guests from SM and Unilever, such as Fernando Fernandez and Hans Sy. The launch also featured notable personalities, among them UNICEF artist Manny Baldemor, who contributed to the design of the GreenBag, as well as GreenBag ambassadors Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villaroel.

The GreenBag is made of 100% polypropylene, which provides a more durable alternative to normal plastic bags that are usually discarded after a single use. The GreenBag has a life span of two years, has the capacity of two normal plastic bags and can be recycled at the end of its life span, thereby contributing to the reduction of solid waste.

This year’s GreenBag improved on the design of the previous, thanks in part to the contribution of the esteemed Baldemor, whose four unique and brilliant designs were featured on the Green Bag. These designs are based on four works titled “Graces from the Land”, “Graces from the Air”, “Graces from the Sea” and “Spiritual Light and Supreme Energy”. These provide visual flair to the GreenBags while highlighting the essential natural resources provided to us by nature.

The launch event was held in the atrium of the SM Mall of Asia. The event was preceded by an art activity hosted for the students of Assumption, giving them the chance to colour templates based on the Baldemor designs and to draw their own designs, as well.

The main program was hosted by Paolo Bediones and Suzie Entrata-Abrera and started with a speech by Annie Garcia, president of SM Shopping Center Management Corporation, honouring the guests and introducing the GreenBag. Afterwards, the four Baldemor designs were revealed to the audience, followed by models showcasing the versatility of the bag among different demographics. Its usefulness is not only in shopping, but also in other everyday activities.

The bag was suitably summed up by the announcer as “stylish, convenient, and above all, ecofriendly”. This was followed by speeches from Baldemor and former DENR secretary Bebet Gozun, where she commended the initiative by saying “no one else in the Philippines is more strategically located to influence consumer behaviour than SM”.

In recognition of Unilever’s contribution, Mr. Fernandez was presented with a plaque by SM, as well as a Baldemor painting. Afterwards, Zoren and Carmina, who are featured in the promotional posters for the GreenBag, took the stage until the end of the program. The program concluded with musical performances by the voice sensation of Akafellas and jazz singer Sitti.

To summarise the enthusiasm generated by the Green Bag, host Paolo Bediones declared “what else can we say but Green Is In!”