Made from ground coffee, sugarcane and cassava sourced from local farmers, Ako Packaging offers a wide variety of products from pouches and t-shirt bags to laundry bags and mailers. The materials used make the packages compostable for at least 45 to 64 days. Given the Philippines’ alarming position as the third-largest contributor to ocean pollution globally, Ako Packaging’s unique position serves as a crucial measure in combatting the plastic problem. It aims to divert thousands of tonnes of waste from landfills for decades.

As economies grapple after the pandemic, there has been a notable surge in e-commerce activity. Consumers, particularly younger demographics, are found to be willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. However, despite sustainable alternatives, couriers persist in opting for inexpensive mailers, pouches and other packaging materials.

For Sevilla, the solution lies in a community approach through fostering knowledge about eco-friendly alternatives, as well as understanding that one’s business is an embodiment of their principles. “If you really want to create a company, a business or a brand that you believe in, then that is going to be an extension of yourself,” Sevilla emphasises. “You build something to address a certain issue, you’re reflecting yourself in your business. You need to have authenticity.”

In an industry that is known for being highly unsustainable as it historically prioritised convenience and cost over environmental impact, Sevilla shares her story on defying prevailing norms in her field and how others can do it too.

Read more: The hidden potential for bamboo as a sustainable construction material, according to an impact entrepreneur

How do you navigate your company in a highly unsustainable industry?

Nikki Sevilla (NS): What I say to our marketing team, our sales team, our production team, manggaling dapat sa loob mo [Your principles should come from within you.] You’re not just saying you’re sustainable. Even in your own households, in your own community, [you practise] it. You try to do little things that will eventually connect with everything that you’re advocating for or you’re fighting for.

Why do you think younger consumers have an increasing interest in sustainable packaging solutions?

NS: Based on statistics, around 70 to 80 per cent of consumers are looking for brands that are more sustainable or that have eco-friendly initiatives. One of the major reasons is greater education and awareness. The younger generations are very particular and will deep dive into research. We’re not vulnerable to greenwashing. I’m very thankful that there’s a growing awareness when it comes to [greenwashing].

What strategies do you employ to convince clients of the value of sustainable packaging solutions?

NS: When companies work with EcoNest, we introduce them to organisations that will help them find ways to lessen their carbon footprint. Packaging is part of the solution, but it's not the major solution. Companies need to work together, to build a community so we can understand how to address these issues collectively. It can’t just be me playing alone. We need a lot of like players who share the same vision of creating a kinder, greener planet.

How do you address the common misconception that sustainable packaging options are less durable or reliable compared to traditional plastic?

NS: Businesses tend to hold on to their past expectations or previous standards when it comes to packaging. They will compare eco-friendly packaging to plastic, saying sustainable packaging is not as stiff or that it’s not as durable. Plastic can carry about 20 kg, but cassava bags, about 10 kg. The truth is, you don’t always need super sturdy mailer bags. There’s a specific application for it. It’s a matter of balancing your resources and the products you’re using. Then, you find ways to accommodate this in your operations. We shouldn’t limit ourselves to what we know at the moment. It’s a matter of committing to what you believe in and finding ways to make it work.

Do you have personal practices that help you stay grounded and focused on your mission?

NS: As much as possible, I expose myself to people who share the same values and vision. You must build the community. I’m very lucky because those people or players, friends or whoever that I attract have similar values. They hone my knowledge of how to do things and how I can progress as an entrepreneur. So it’s crucial that you’re particular with what you let into your space. 

I consider myself lucky to live on a farm. Whenever I connect myself to nature, I feel more grounded. I also practice meditation, I do yoga and I exercise. Those things are very important to me because I need my personal time. When you’re an entrepreneur, you always have something to do. Everybody constantly needs to talk to you or contact you, but I set my boundaries, and that’s something that has proven to be really effective.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who feel discouraged by the prevailing norms in their industry?

NS: I’m not sure who said it, but I saw it on Instagram. It says, “True service over fear.” Because at any given point in time, you are going to be fearful of change or you’re fearful of something new. You will always be fearful that you’re going to be judged. But if you think about the service that you can give back, not only to yourself, to your family, but to the community and add to that the environment, yung fear mo mawawala [there will be no more fear]. 

You’re choosing to be the better version of yourself because you’re choosing to serve rather than be selfish. Whether you’re starting a business or a new project, you must be authentic. It has to be aligned with your strengths and your values. You will then not be fearful of the things that are going to haunt you. At the end of the day, hindi naman totoo yung fears natin [fears are not real].

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