Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. has made history as the first Filipino company to join the ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA). This private sector-led initiative aims to foster a circular economy ecosystem in Southeast Asia by promoting sustainable business practices.
ACEBA, facilitated by member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and supported by the ASEAN Responsible And Inclusive Business Alliance (ARAIBA), seeks to amplify the voices of its member companies and influence ASEAN policies and businesses toward circular economy adoption.
During the ACEBA launch in Jakarta, Indonesia last month, Converge joined 11 other companies from Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia in pledging support for the alliance. The company aims to contribute significantly to achieving the ASEAN Circular Economy Framework.
“Converge as a leading fiber internet service provider in the Philippines has always made it a priority to embed sustainable practices into our operations. To this end, we actively promote a circular economy as we aim to reduce our solid waste to landfill to zero by 2030. We have shifted to 100% renewable energy for our two data centers. We have also launched a #CountdowntoZeroWaste campaign in 2022 that called for the refurbishment of our old modems and targeted used tarpaulin materials, plastic bottles, and electronic waste. These are just some of the programs that we hope contribute in promoting circularity,” according to Jay-Anne Encarnado, Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications & Public Relations at Converge. She, and Jeremy Gatpo, Vice-President and Head of Supply Chain & Logistics at Converge represented the company at a virtual launch.
ACEBA members commit to integrating circular economy principles into their operations, products, and services. They also pledge to communicate their sustainability initiatives and achievements through the alliance.
Leveraging the efficiency and environmental friendliness of fiber optic technology, Converge positions itself as a “green by design” company. The company has achieved 100% renewable energy for its data centers and launched the #CountdowntoZeroWaste campaign in 2022, focusing on modem refurbishment, waste reduction, and electronic waste management.
In July 2024, Converge reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles through its Communication on Progress, covering human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. The company plans to introduce more policies and programs to address resource gaps and advance circular economy practices.
Initiated by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and the ASEAN Corporate Social Responsibility Network, ACEBA seeks to catalyze circular economy leadership and action in Southeast Asia. Through networking, knowledge sharing, best practice development, and advocacy, the alliance aims to drive circular economy adoption among businesses, governments, and other stakeholders.