Cebu material finalist in international product awards

CEBU, Philippines — In a global economy increasingly shaped by the imperatives of environmental stewardship and sustainable development, a Cebu-made material is commanding international attention.

Naturescast?, a proprietary green composite developed by Cebu-based Nature’s Legacy Eximport Inc., has been named one of five finalists in the New Materials category at this year’s Green Product Awards, held in Berlin, Germany on May 15, 2025.

The eco-innovative material, crafted from agro-forest debris and bound by water-based, non-toxic binders, is not only biodegradable but also remarkably versatile. Its lightweight, durable form lends itself to a range of applications—from high-end home décor to architectural installations—underscoring its potential as a cornerstone material in green manufacturing systems.

From an initial pool of 1,500 entries representing 50 countries, only 200 products were shortlisted across 14 categories, with five finalists selected per category.

Naturescast?’s inclusion not only marks a win for Philippine innovation but also reinforces Cebu’s position as a global hub for high-quality, sustainable furniture and design manufacturing.

Cebu, long recognized for its craftsmanship and export-caliber furniture production, is increasingly aligning itself with the global pivot toward sustainable manufacturing practices.

Cebu has emerged as a regional leader in integrating ecological responsibility into the design and production pipeline—an evolution driven by both environmental necessity and market demand from sustainability-conscious consumers.

The recognition of Naturescast? adds to Nature’s Legacy’s growing list of accolades. In 2015, it earned the prestigious Gold Invention Award in Geneva, and by 2019, it had secured the rigorous Cradle to Cradle certification—affirming its lifecycle-friendly design.

Today, the material is part of the Green Product Award’s “Top 100 Products for a More Sustainable Life,” a distinction reserved for innovations that exemplify design excellence and environmental integrity.

At the helm of Nature’s Legacy are husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Pedro and Catherine Delantar. Their leadership has not only sustained the company’s global competitiveness but also established it as a certified B Corporation—affirming its commitment to verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.

As industries across the globe confront the dual challenge of scaling operations while reducing environmental footprints, materials like Naturescast? represent a viable path forward.

For Cebu, it signals a maturation of its role—not just as a furniture capital of the world—but as a center for sustainable innovation in design and manufacturing, Delantar said. — (FREEMAN)