Since the major launch in 2019 of The Coca-Cola Company’s ambitious vision dubbed World Without Waste, Coca-Cola Philippines has already made inroads in implementing this locally. The World Without Waste vision signals a renewed focus on the entire packaging lifecycle, from how bottles and cans are designed and made, to how they’re recycled and repurposed, with the aim of helping collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one they sell by 2030.
Keen on further transforming mindsets and redefining the very meaning of recyclable packaging–where it becomes a valuable resource of limitless use and possibilities–the beginning of 2020 will see the continuing roll-out of even more meaningful projects that build upon the achievements of previous undertakings.
Towards sustainable packaging solutions
Coca-Cola Philippines has been earnestly exploring ways to harness sustainable packaging solutions. One concrete example is the first-ever food grade recycled PET (RPET) bottle for their Viva! mineral water brand. Introduced in 2019, it is made from 100% recycled materials from the cap to label to the bottle itself, thereby heralding the start of 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 harder to recycle and have much more limited use compared to clear plastics. Because of this, the transition of Sprite to clear plastic packaging ensures that its bottles are more easily recycled and reprocessed.
Furthermore, the Company has also undertaken lightweighting efforts which has seen the reduction in the materials used in creating the packaging of their beverages.
Strengthening strategic partnerships
Cognizant of how establishing strategic partnerships is key in the successful implementation of 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 in 2020. To date, the Company has partnered with the Department of Local and Interior 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.
In celebration of the 20 th year of the Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management act of 2000, Coca-Cola Philippines aims to not only play a role in the collection of recyclable waste and education on proper disposal, but also seek to provide livelihood opportunities in connection with the soon-to-rise Rpet facility.
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.
A renewed pledge in the new year
With the start of 2020, Coca-Cola Philippines begins the new year with renewed vigor and energy. Standing as the cornerstone of the World Without Waste vision, and one of the projects they are most excited about, is the groundbreaking of their state-of-the-art recycling facility, a first for the Company in Southeast Asia. Once completed and in full operation, the facility is expected to help increase recycling rates in the country while providing livelihood opportunities to communities who need it the most.
