Coca-Cola meets 2020 with reignited passions and an ever-steadfast commitment to their World Without Waste vision—signifying a renewed focus on the entire packaging lifecycle, from how bottles and cans are designed and made, to how they’re recycled and repurposed. Forging ahead through programs and initiatives that are impactful, relevant, and inclusive, the goal and challenge remains: to help collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one they sell by 2030.
While initial strides are steadily being felt towards this end, Coca-Cola continues to work towards transforming how recyclable packaging is perceived and defined: a valuable resource of limitless use and possibilities.
Breaking ground on a revolutionary endeavor
Standing as the foundation of the ambitious World Without Waste vision, 2020 will see the groundbreaking of the Company’s state-of-the-art bottle-to-bottle (rPET) recycling facility—a first in Southeast Asia. This pioneering, next-generation facility is the embodiment of the Company’s comprehensive sustainability blueprint that also allows for positive contributions to livelihood, industry, and the environment.
Once completed and in full operation, the facility is expected to help increase recycling rates in the country while providing livelihood opportunities in the waste value chain – waste pickers, junkshops, aggregators – thereby underlining their critical role in a circular economy.
The 1 billion-peso worth rPET recycling facility, an investment shared with like-minded organizations, is also seen as a model for other companies to follow, hopefully sparking investments in similar sustainable-oriented undertakings.
Packaging solutions made sustainable
Coca-Cola Philippines has been exploring ways to earnestly embrace sustainable packaging solutions. One such example is the first-ever food grade recycled PET (RPET) bottle for their Viva! mineral water brand. Introduced in 2019, the bottle is made from 100% recycled materials, an auspicious start to the Company’s goal of achieving 50% recycled PET usage by 2030.
The Company also announced an industry-first initiative of evolving the iconic green color packaging of their Sprite recyclable plastic bottles for a clear, new look. Colored recyclable plastics are known to be more difficult to recycle and have are more limited in use compared to clear plastics. As a result, the transition of Sprite to clear plastic packaging ensures that its bottles are more easily recycled and reprocessed.
The Company has also undertaken lightweighting efforts resulting in the reduction in the materials used in creating the packaging of their beverages.
Intensifying strategic partnerships
Seeing the value in strategic partnerships and how these help in instituting a World Without Waste, Coca-Cola Philippines has been working closely with various government agencies alongside non-governmental organizations and will continue to do so this 2020. To date, the Company has and will continue to partner with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)) and the Department of Tourism (Department of Tourism), while also reaching out to local government units to strengthen the waste management systems across different cities, including Siargao, Davao, Bacolod, and San Vicente, Palawan.
Meanwhile, alliances with non-governmental organizations including the International Coastal Clean-Up, the Negros Women For Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), Sarangani Province Empowerment and Community Transformation Forum, Inc. (SPECTRUM), Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), the Blastik Project by PeacePond, and Teach for the Philippines has helped Coca-Cola in their aggressive collection efforts and in mounting waste management trainings.
With the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI), Green Antz, and Winder Recycling, the Company has leveraged on their respective technologies in converting bottles into benches, bowls, and clothing.
Making a difference together
Clearly, Coca-Cola remains unrelenting and fully committed to its World Without Waste vision as a new decade approaches. With the continued support and cooperation of all stakeholders—including consumers—we can truly make a difference, one bottle at a time.