Cover foodpanda's Bisikleta Iwas Droga initiative
foodpanda's Bisikleta Iwas Droga initiative
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This food delivery app is taking a step towards a sustainable future through eco-friendly transportation
Food delivery apps have become integrated into our daily lives. How often have you opted to order in instead of cooking at home? This convenience does come at a price, though. Aside from the delivery fee, the vehicles used contribute to significant amounts of carbon dioxide emissions. Thankfully, some delivery services have alternative, more eco-friendly options for how they get your favourite eats to your door. Tatler asked Daniel Marogy, foodpanda Philippines' chief executive officer to learn more about the state of sustainable food delivery.
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Above foodpanda's 8th Anniversary Bike Day
foodpanda's 8th Anniversary Bike Day
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Through foodpanda’s delivery service provider, Delivery Hero Logistics Philippines Inc. (DHLPI), the brand has expanded its bicycle, walker, and e-bike fleet to reduce its carbon footprint and push for eco-friendly delivery practices. They also regularly participate in events such as National Bike Day and the Bike Lane Awards to further educate people about climate change while promoting cycling as an alternative mode of transportation.
foodpanda has also partnered with the National Bicycle Organisation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a bicycle-friendly Philippines, with their flagship sustainability program, Let’s Do Our Pau-rt! (LDOP). Driven by one goal—to help create an economically inclusive and environmentally resilient Philippines and make sustainability a way of life—foodpanda is constantly innovating its ways to reduce its ecological footprint while making a positive difference.
“Our journey toward eco-friendly delivery practices isn't without its hurdles. But we’re finding new ways to make our delivery game more sustainable, such as switching to eco-friendly delivery vehicles through our partnership with DHLPI and convincing our customers and partners to make more eco-friendly choices,” shares Marogy
Also read: The state of water sanitation in the Philippines—and what’s being done about it
Though cycling as a transportation method for food delivery has been more prominent in other countries, it might seem that the Philippines still needs to be ready for it. Bike lanes—if at all present—are often filled with motorists, and only specific areas in Metro Manila can be considered walkable.
“Safety is paramount for Ka-panda delivery partners. Upon onboarding, our delivery service provider trains them on road safety and effective riding techniques while reminding delivery partners always to wear safety gear. Routes are also optimised to avoid congested areas and prioritise safer pathways. These measures safeguard the welfare of Ka-panda delivery partners as they navigate the city’s streets,” says Marogy.
Above foodpanda Singapore's Green Label Programme
foodpanda Singapore's Green Label Programme
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In 2022, foodpanda Singapore launched Green Label, a first-of-its-kind sustainability initiative that identifies the most sustainable restaurants on the platform through a certification scheme. Certified brands then receive a special badge on the application, allowing customers to easily navigate those who follow sustainable practices like waste reduction, carbon reduction, eco-friendly packaging, and more. Green Label restaurants also enjoy exclusive benefits from foodpanda such as complimentary marketing, educational workshops, and resources on sustainability measures to support green practices.
While this initiative has only been introduced in Singapore so far, foodpanda Philippines is working to implement a similar program locally. “We’ve been collaborating closely with our regional counterparts to lay the groundwork for something like the Green Label program. As part of this effort, we’ve already initiated the roll-out of a ‘cutlery opt-out’ toggle feature in our app—encouraging our partners and consumers to take a proactive step towards making more sustainable choices,” says Marogy.
Above (Photo: Cebu e-Scooter/Facebook)
(Photo: Cebu e-Scooter/Facebook)
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As of 2024, more than half of foodpanda logistics’ delivery partners are bikers and walkers—more than the number of delivery riders who use motorcycles. The future of sustainable food delivery is promising as LDOP ramps up to prioritise food sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
“We’re trying to enhance food sustainability by putting meal donations front and centre. We make sure that surplus food is put to good use and reaches those in need. Our grocery delivery arm, pandamart, has started using paper bags instead of plastic bags for orders. DHLPI is also looking to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for their Ka-panda delivery fleet, which aligns with our ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and operate sustainably,” ends Marogy.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
