This Filipino inventor is making the pili tree resin the world’s next breakthrough adhesive

The seed of the invention was planted during Bantugon’s undergraduate years in Mapua University, when he was tasked with developing a science project. Where others might have taken inspiration from imported chemicals or laboratory-ready materials, he turned to something close to home: the pili tree.

The Philippines is one of the few places where the tree thrives naturally, especially southern parts of Luzon like the Bicol region, which remains dominant in pili production. There are over 160 local pili processors and some 13,435 farmers cultivating pili trees across about 142,000 hectares in the region. Bicolanos also call it the “tree of life” because all of its parts—from the kernel and pulp to the shell—are utilised for food, fuel, medicine and industrial products, making it an economically and culturally significant resource.

Over the course of two years, Bantugon tested more than 80 different formulations of pili resin, painstakingly comparing results using the rigorous Taguchi method of optimisation, which focuses on improving the product design stage to prevent defects rather than correcting them later. 

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It was only on the 84th attempt that he arrived at a formula strong, consistent and versatile enough to be scaled for industrial use. “Consistency is very important for a sealant formulation,” he says. “From the first to the 84th trial, I had to be detailed and patient. I wouldn’t call myself a perfectionist, but I have my own standards.”

The final product, called the Pili AdheSeal, not only matches but in some tests, even outperforms its synthetic counterparts. Where traditional sealants take up to 24 hours to set, the Pili AdheSeal can harden in as little as 30 seconds. Its bonding strength, according to Bantugon, has tested up to five times greater than conventional options—a groundbreaking edge in industries like aviation where speed and durability can make the difference between safety and catastrophe.

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It is this combination of scientific rigour and social relevance that has drawn attention well beyond Philippine borders. Bantugon has been recognised by the James Dyson Foundation for his work and earned a place in international competitions that celebrate sustainable innovation—most recently as one of the ten global winners of the 2025 Young Inventors Prize, awarded by the European Patent Office (Tomorrow Shapers). These honours are less about accolades, he says, than about proving that a homegrown idea can command respect on the world stage.

Beyond performance, what makes Bantugon’s adhesive revolutionary is its sustainability. The pili tree, when properly tapped, can produce resin for up to a century without needing to be cut down.

His company has adopted a circular economy business model, ensuring that local farmers are trained to extract resin without damaging the tree, which takes at least a decade to fruit when grown from seeds. After processing, even the by-products of the resin can be converted into safe organic fertiliser, boosting crop yields by 10 to 15 per cent.

“As long as you follow proper dimensions during extraction, the tree will keep producing resin for even a hundred years,” Bantugon notes. “It’s not just sustainable, it actually supports farmers by providing them with new streams of income.”

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Despite promising numbers, the pili industry is still largely small-scale and fragmented, so this community-based approach has been key to scaling the invention. Farmers, who were once skeptical of the tree’s value beyond nuts and oils, are now central to the supply chain. By involving them directly, Bantugon ensures both quality control and shared prosperity. “I really understand the pains of farmers,” he reflects. “They reached out to me, offering to supply resin. That’s when I realised the potential to build not just a business, but a community ecosystem.”

Bantugon defines sustainability through what he calls the “four Ps”: planet, people, protection, profit. “Sustainability isn’t just about being eco-friendly,” he insists. “It has to be rooted in environmental stewardship, social impact, health protection and economic viability. If it doesn’t tick all four, then it isn’t truly sustainable.”

He points out that he hopes to see more pili trees planted in other parts of the country—not just as an environmental buffer against typhoons and floods, but as a source of long-term economic opportunity for communities. “It’s about time we recalibrate our mindset,” he says. “The pili tree can not only prevent natural calamities but we can also leverage other opportunities.”

The Pili AdheSeal’s applications are as varied as they are promising. In the construction industry, it offers a safer, faster, more eco-friendly alternative to toxic sealants. In aviation, it has been tested for use in aircraft assembly, where lightweight, high-strength adhesives are critical. And in defence, early collaborations with the country’s Department of National Defence suggest it could be used in ballistics and protective materials. Though details remain under wraps, preliminary tests have shown striking results.

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Yet Bantugon is careful not to oversell the moment. His vision is long-term, with plans to develop different grades of the adhesive tailored for specific industries. “Our goal is to evolve,” he says. “From defence to automotive, marine and electronics, pili resin has the versatility to fit into many sectors. And hopefully, one day, we’ll see local manufacturing of these adhesives right here in the Philippines.”

With growing urgency around climate change, supply chain vulnerabilities and sustainable development, the idea that a Filipino tree could provide answers is nothing short of transformative.

The question now is scale: Can pili adhesive move from breakthrough invention to global industry standard? Bantugon believes it can—and must. “Always allow yourself to dream because it is valid,” he says. “But dreaming is only the start. We need to create, to commercialise and to ensure that the benefits reach not just corporations but communities.”

While he remains discreet about certain milestones that may yet be revealed in the months ahead, the anticipation surrounding his work hints at just how far this homegrown innovation could go.

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