USing scieance for ocean preservation: holcim's circular explorer sets new standard for marine life and circularity in the philippines

Since 2022, Holcim Philippines has been advancing its commitment to sustainability and circularity through the Circular Explorer, a pioneering solar-powered catamaran designed to recover marine litter, promote recycling, and support cutting-edge marine science in partnership with local and international institutions.

Designed as a 100% solar-powered floating laboratory, the Circular Explorer advances marine science at the front lines of the world’s largest carbon sink: our oceans. In partnership with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), the vessel collects microplastic samples and key oceanographic metrics that strengthen national research and support evidence-based policymaking. As a primary data source for the national plastics tracker, it has enabled the analysis of more than 350 microplastic samples, guided pollution-pathway modeling, and helped optimize two deep-learning AI models capable of rapidly identifying and quantifying plastic particles.

Beyond generating critical datasets, the Circular Explorer also drives scientific capacity-building across the region. More than 150 researchers and educators from 50 universities and government agencies in the Philippines and Malaysia have been intensively trained through its programs, expanding regional expertise in ocean monitoring, plastics analysis, and advanced research methods. By integrating renewable energy, next-generation technology, and collaborative marine science, the Circular Explorer accelerates data-driven solutions that preserve ocean health and contribute to long-term decarbonization goals.

At the forefront of marine plastic research, Holcim’s collaboration with the University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) has made a lasting impact on research and capacity-building. Holcim is the primary sponsor, and has donated equiptment to the country’s most advanced microplastics research laboratory, established at UP MSI alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Circular Explorer has become an essential research platform, collecting and analyzing microplastic samples and generating primary data for the Philippines’ national plastics tracker.

According to Dr. Laura T. David, Director at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, “The Circular Explorer project has contributed greatly to the advancement of marine science in the Philippines. Through our partnership with Holcim, UP MSI researchers have gathered crucial data on marine biodiversity and the pathways of plastic pollution in the country. The data collected by the Circular Explorer vessel has led to the publication of five peer-reviewed scientific papers and the analysis of microplastic samples.”

The initiative has also paved the way for technological innovation, including the development of two deep-learning AI models to automate the identification and quantification of plastic waste. Findings and datasets are digitally archived in PlastiCount, a national hub for plastics research, supporting the creation of new pollution tracking models for Manila Bay.

Through the Plastics Research Intensive Methods – Training Program (PRIMe-TP), more than 150 young scientists and educators from 50 institutions nationwide have been upskilled in advanced research methods such as FTIR spectroscopy and AI-assisted plastic detection, further amplifying the project’s educational legacy. Participants also engaged in coastal community programs and school roadshows, learning effective science communication and public engagement strategies.

Beyond its cleanup efforts, the Circular Explorer empowers local communities to protect the oceans through education and awareness programs. In partnership with One Earth – One Ocean and other sustainability advocates, Holcim has rolled out government-endorsed educational toolkits on circularity and marine conservation, reaching over 4,000 students and training more than 80 teachers from 20 schools across four cities within the Manila Bay area.

Recognized as a Silver Winner at the 2025 ESG Impact Awards (Environment – Waste Management), the Circular Explorer continues to demonstrate how corporate-led innovation, scientific collaboration, and community education can come together to build a truly circular, decarbonized future for our oceans.

“The Circular Explorer reflects Holcim’s belief that environmental stewardship is strongest when innovation, science, and community action move together. By transforming marine waste into new resources, empowering educators and young scientists, and supporting world-class research with UP MSI and our partners, we are helping build the foundation for a truly circular and decarbonized future,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Jill Iris Ramos.

The Circular Explorer stands as a model for how science, sustainability, and community can work hand in hand to restore balance to our oceans. By championing circularity and collaboration, Holcim continues to shape a future where progress and environmental responsibility move together — one clean shore at a time.