In a rapidly evolving world, simply showcasing attractive, trendy, and functional products is no longer sufficient.
Kultura proudly stands among those who consciously promote more sustainable, meaningfully-crafted, and locally-sourced merchandise, championing the cause of green living. With a loyal customer following and numerous branches nationwide, Kultura takes its mission to build a greener Philippines earnestly.
Ivy Yap, President of Kultura, emphasizes, “As retailers, we have the power to influence customer purchasing decisions through our product offerings, pricing strategies, and promotions—ranging from product displays to discounts and loyalty programs. Leveraging this influence for good, Kultura aids consumers in adopting greener lifestyles by providing a diverse range of products made from natural materials that are biodegradable, upcycled, or repurposed, all while being locally sourced.”
Today, the Kultura store is brimming with “Green Finds,” making it easier for customers to embrace and lead sustainable lifestyles. These products are thoughtfully curated to align with Kultura’s commitment to fostering a greener and more environmentally-conscious society.
Platform with a Purpose
Kultura, an affiliate of SM Retail, has played a pivotal role in advocating Green Finds – products that are sustainably sourced and support local communities.
Through Kultura, SM has become a platform for the growth of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises). Notably, Millie Monday and Haspe are two Filipino retail brands that have benefitted from their engagement with Kultura and are immensely grateful for how Kultura has acted as an effective incubator for their respective enterprises.
Mariel Ching of Millie Monday shared the heartwarming story of how this division of their Primex printing company was named after their mother and how it specializes in merging art and print technology to create functional paper-related products and accessories for the home. The brand was born during the pandemic when regular printing jobs dwindled, and the family sought to diversify their output while keeping their personnel and machines occupied.
Thanks to Kultura’s support, Millie Monday has expanded its product lines to include non-paper items. They have even received bulk orders and outright purchases from foreign countries such as Singapore and Tokyo, thanks to their collaborations with established artists. The brand credits Kultura for creating awareness and goodwill, significantly contributing to their success.
The sustainability aspect is paramount for Millie Monday, as they use sustainably sourced paper, soy-based ink, and even acquired a Heidelberg offset machine with the proviso of planting trees in Africa. The brand proudly holds the distinction of being the only Asian printer to receive the Green Leaf Award from Kodak in 2019, and they conscientiously avoid printing on non-biodegradable materials like tarp.
Similarly, Haspe, which translates to “wood grain” in Spanish/Filipino, showcases the exceptional wood-based products and accessories designed and created by Arch. Eric Gonzales, a native of Baliwag, Bulacan. Haspe’s signature products include “sungka” and chess boards made of mahogany wood and solihiya (rataan weaving).
For Haspe, Kultura has been invaluable in terms of brand awareness, as they do not have a Metro Manila showroom. The brand started with traditional furniture pieces in 2016 but was inspired in 2019 to create smaller pieces from excess wood. Eric expanded his designs to incorporate rattan, bone inlay, and other locally sourced materials, all sustainably farmed in Mindanao. Sustainability comes naturally to Haspe, as they upcycle leftover materials (“retasos”) to craft their products, preventing waste and contributing to Baliwag, Bulacan’s pride.
Both Millie Monday and Haspe operate their businesses with a strong commitment to sustainability, considering it their responsibility as entrepreneurs to be more eco-conscious.
Although they have been involved with Kultura for less than a year, they credit their engagement as a godsend and are delighted to be associated with Green Finds under Kultura’s umbrella.
SM is pleased to drive education, awareness, and marketing efforts to promote sustainability and eco-consciousness. By educating customers about the significance of sustainability and providing easy access to mindfully-crafted merchandise, SM aims to inspire changes in consumer behavior and encourage more eco-friendly practices in the retail industry. Ultimately, this collective effort will contribute to a more sustainable and greener future for the country. Kultura’s role as a platform for MSMEs and an advocate for sustainable products strengthens this commitment and promotes a positive impact on the environment and communities.
