Driving Sustainability at Jacobi

We are on a journey with a clear mission: to become the most sustainable company in our industry. To achieve our goals, we have a dedicated global team leading our sustainability efforts. In this article, we meet our Sustainability Officer, Jelyn Arañador, who describes what our sustainability journey means to her personally.

Hi Jelyn, tell us more about your role at Jacobi 
I'm based at our site in the Philippines, one of the places where we actually produce activated carbon. In my role as Sustainability Officer, I maintain close collaboration with teams across all regions.

Since you started working at Jacobi, how has the company's view of sustainability changed?
I joined the company in May 2015 and have over eight years of experience in the Quality Assurance team in the Philippines before transitioning to this sustainability-dedicated role.  Over the years, I’ve really seen how Jacobi’s approach to sustainability has evolved. 

 Today, sustainability is part of how we work and how we measure our performance. We have a really nicely structured Sustainability Report, take part in external assessments like EcoVadis, and have set clear targets and KPIs for the future. Sustainability has been an important part of Jacobi’s long-term direction, and now it’s engrained within operations at every level.

How do you personally feel about Jacobi’s sustainability work? Why is it rewarding for you?
For me, the most satisfying part is seeing real engagement across teams and sites, where people take ownership and actively seek ways to reduce environmental impact and improve how we operate. On a personal level, it aligns with my values. I enjoy being part of something that has a positive impact on the business, the communities we’re connected to, and the environment.

What was it like where you grew up, and how did that shape your interest in our environment? 
I grew up surrounded by nature; our family had a small chicken farm and other animals, so I was always close to the outdoors. I’ve always loved feeling the wind and just being in nature. Hiking in the mountains is one of my favourite things to do because it lets me connect with the trees, the wind, and the quiet of nature. Being around all of this from a young age really shaped my appreciation for the environment. 

When did your personal commitment to sustainability become more professional? 
It started back in college, when I became involved in environmental organisations. Being part of those groups opened my eyes to the real impact our actions have on the environment, and that awareness stayed with me as I moved into my professional life. Over time, this commitment has continued to grow. I feel a real responsibility to take care of the planet, not just because of my job, but as a human, so that future generations can enjoy a world that’s just as beautiful as the one we have today.

Is there a particular memory related to our environment that has made you think about how the planet is doing?
One memory that really stayed with me was a trip to Boracay. I first visited the island when it was still very pristine, and it left a strong impression on me. When I returned years later, I felt really shocked and saddened to see how much more polluted it had become. That experience made the environmental impact feel very real and personal.

Have you ever doubted Jacobi's sustainability path, and what kept you believing in our journey?
To be honest, there have been times when I have questioned whether we can really achieve the impact we are aiming for, given that sustainability is such a significant challenge. However, I remain convinced that we can succeed because I see the genuine commitment of our teams, the actions being taken across our sites, and the meaningful progress we make every day.

Can you describe a moment at Jacobi when you felt "This is why I do this"?
One moment that really stands out was when a customer told us they noticed and appreciated our sustainability efforts. Hearing them say that we are making a difference made me feel proud and reminded me why I’m so passionate about this work. It’s those small but meaningful moments that make all the effort feel worthwhile and show how even little actions can add up to real change.

If you imagine Jacobi 10 years from now, what would make you most proud?
In 10 years, I’d be most proud if Jacobi is not just known for what we produce, but also for how responsibly we do it. I’d love to see our sustainability efforts making a real difference, and it would feel amazing to know that the work we’re doing today has created a positive, lasting impact.

Jelyn, we’re certainly inspired by your passion for sustainability at work and in your personal life, and we look forward to seeing how Jacobi Group progresses on its journey. For those who would like to follow our progress, you can visit jacobi.net/sustainability-journey for regular updates.