By P.A. Castro

In 2009, husband and wife tandem Christian and Zarah Juan invested some P600,000 to establish in Legaspi Village in Makati City Panda Cleaners, what may be the first ecologically friendly cleaner company in the Philippines. The business was somewhat expected since Christian’s line of business was in laundry franchising, even if Panda’s introduction was seen as an “injection of a new idea into the laundry segment,” Zarah Juan says.
What makes Panda’s services different from others in the market? “The difference is with the number of eco-partners Panda has,” Juan says, adding that “these eco-partners have assured that the products Panda uses are either biodegradable or eco-friendly. That’s the edge that Panda will continue to use throughout its system.”
Interestingly, the finding of these eco-friendly partners served as the biggest challenge faced by the company. “The biggest challenge for us thus far was picking the right eco-partners,” Juan says. “With so many companies saying they are now a green company, Panda has to screen and keep its standard very high. Only companies that are energetic about keeping the environment green will pass Panda’s screening.”
Going green is not complex, says Juan. “First of all going green is simple. Basic recycling is a form of going green. Using bags other than plastic ones is a form of going green. These are beliefs that form into habits that people should be aware of. For companies that people look up to for services or goods, they should have green options so their customers can broaden their choices.”
Juan believes that business can co-exist with environmentalism. “As companies become more conscience of the impact their businesses have on the environment more and more will look at the aspect of giving back. It is Panda’s belief that if you can balance profits and eco-living, you are already on the right track.”
Panda is already looking at penetrating other Asian markets as the first and only laundry company that has an environmental cause.

For information, call (+632) 8175824 or 9189261643; fax 8932959; or visit www.greenleafbags.com.