Coca-Cola Philippines and Bacolod City promote bottle collection and segregation at Masskara Festival

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NEGROS OCCIDENTAL  - Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with the Bacolod City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), promoted PET plastic bottle segregation and collection at the 45th Masskara Festival, held from October 11-27, 2024, in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Together with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. and festival organizer Yuhum Foundation, the beverage company engaged festival-goers in responsible waste management practices by facilitating the segregation and collection of used PET bottles.

To raise awareness about bottle collection and segregation, Coca-Cola Philippines encouraged festival attendees to drop off their empty PET bottles at the Coca-Cola bottle counter and The Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) exchange booths located at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC). Attendees also exchanged empty bottles to participate in various games and activities.

One of the highlights was the MassKara mask-making contest, where festival-goers cast their votes for the Best Recycled Mask on display using bottle caps. Artisticrew was named the grand winner, while Bacolod City College and the Negrese Artist Circle received consolation prizes for their participation.

Additionally, attendees took part in the "Dunk, Not Junk" shooting hoops game. As they showcased their shooting skills, players had the chance to win a variety of Coca-Cola merchandise and other exciting prizes.

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. 's (CCBPI) flagship nationwide collection program, “Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo!” featured a pop-up collection booth. In its second year at the MassKara Festival, Tapon to Ipon encouraged attendees to drop off used clear PET plastic bottles of any brand, allowing them to win prizes.

Ruby Biro, Senior Franchise Operations Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, congratulated all the partners and local barangays that contributed to the success of the waste management initiative during the festival's closing program. She emphasized the importance of community engagement and the role of festival-goers in celebrating while making a positive impact on the environment.

Brgy. Molobolo’s path to clean water: A community-managed initiative against scarcity

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Water collection was both a household concern and a shared community responsibility in Brgy. Molobolo in the Municipality of Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Parents and children needed to walk thirty minutes and wait at least two hours to fill their water containers from a water source in their barangay, which would not always cover all their daily water needs.

This water issue forced residents to conserve water whenever possible, but even that was not always sufficient. Water was a daily struggle, and each night, they went to bed hoping they could find enough for the next day.

This was the reality for Brgy. Molobolo residents until 2021, when the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) implemented a clean water access project with a financial grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF).

Residents of Brgy. Molobolo, together with representatives of the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), stand in front of the Agos Water Tank

How water started flowing in Brgy. Molobolo

For Brgy. Molobolo, AIDFI used a gravity-fed water system to bring water closer to residents. The project connected a pipeline from the elevated water source, allowing the water to flow down to shared tapstands within the community and helping eliminate the need for a half-hour walk and two-hour wait at the stream. Additionally, water filters are provided to households to block debris and prevent bacteria from passing through.

Access to water has brought comfort to the residents. No longer burdened by the physically demanding task of water collection, they can enjoy the safety and security of having water at their doorstep.

The availability of safe water has also positively impacted community programs, including feeding programs that improve residents' health and nutrition. Convenient access to safe water reduces the health risks associated with collecting and consuming water from distant and potentially contaminated sources. This improvement in water accessibility has enhanced their quality of life and fostered a sense of community well-being and progress.

“Ngayon, sa bahay na lang kami naghihintay. May schedule pero sufficient talaga yung tubig. Hindi na kami mahirapan na [pumila] at pumunta sa malayo para mag-igib [ng tubig],” Myren Edoria, a resident of Brgy. Molobolo, said. (Now, we only wait in our home. There is a schedule, but this time the supply of water is sufficient. We don’t need to fall in line and go to faraway places just to collect water.)

From project beneficiaries to water stewards

The barangay captain of Brgy. Molobolo has advocated for their community to gain access to safe water. His dedication to securing water access and security for the community led him to apply for the Agos Project with TCCF and AIDFI in the first place. This initiative, aligning with the community's urgent need for clean water, garnered immediate and enthusiastic support from the residents.

Inspired by their barangay captain's leadership, the residents have transformed that passion into proactive stewardship, taking responsibility for protecting and managing their water resources to ensure the sustainability of the project's benefits for future generations.

Brgy. Molobolo residents with representatives of the AIDFI and TCCF at the successful handover 

of the Agos Project

They formed an association and created a schedule system for everyone in the barangay to access clean water. They also coordinate with local partners to test and ensure the water's safety. To secure their water source, they implement policies protecting it from potential threats.

Clean and safe water for future generations

As the primary philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation aims to support local and global changemakers leaving a measurable and lasting impact in areas around the world by investing in transformative ideas and institutions that address some of the most pressing global challenges.

For more information on the initiatives of The Coca-Cola Foundation, visit the company’s social media channels and its website

Coca-Cola Philippines continues efforts to meet World Without Waste goals

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Coca-Cola Philippines continues to make progress on its ambitious sustainable packaging program, World Without Waste, with significant milestones.

Since the company’s global launch of World Without Waste in 2018, Coca-Cola Philippines has rolled out a series of innovations and partnerships in the Philippines to achieve its goals by introducing packaging innovations; collaborating with different sectors to create and support existing collection hubs across the country to bring collection and recycling closer to communities; and forging strategic alliances with the government, non-government organizations, and civil society to help establish a circular economy for plastic packaging in the country.

For 2023, Coca-Cola Philippines pledges to continue serving Filipino consumers with their favorite brands of beverages while supporting communities and growing a sustainable business in the Philippines for the future. Among the company’s immediate targets is to make recycling easier and more engaging for consumers by expanding its over 2,800 waste collection hubs across the country through increased partnerships with like-minded organizations and institutions. This also includes enabling the participation of microentrepreneurs, particularly sari-sari stores, through the Tapon to Ipon and Tindahan Extra Mile Balik PET Bottle programs, to help create a community-backed circular economy of plastic packaging while promoting economic empowerment among micro-retailers.

At present, Coca-Cola Philippines has launched more than 600 Tapon to Ipon store hubs across the country. The company has also partnered with the provincial governments of Iloilo and Davao del Sur for large-scale collection of recyclable plastic bottles.

In addition, Coca-Cola Philippines helps improve the welfare of informal waste sector workers by supporting the work of social entrepreneur, Plastic Bank Philippines. The partnership has activated 38 waste collection locations and 651 collection community members in the South Luzon area and has resulted in the collection of 546,000 kilograms of post-consumer bottles for recycling since 2021.

In the Philippines and around the world, The Coca-Cola Company continues to work to create a more accessible way of recycling and working toward a more sustainable future for packaging. The global World Without Waste program is anchored on three interrelated goals: Design, Collect, and Partner.

● Design: Make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030

● Collect: Collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells by 2030

● Partner: Bring people together to support a healthy, debris-free environment

For more information on the sustainability initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines, follow the company’s social media channel: @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on Twitter and Instagram — or visit www.coca-cola.com.ph.

Change Make Her: The Coca-Cola Foundation Joins Forces with Microloan Platform Kiva to Support up to 45,000 Entrepreneurs Around The World Including the Philippines

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The Coca-Cola Foundation has announced its support for Change Make Her, a new five-year partnership with microloan nonprofit Kiva to improve financial access for under-represented entrepreneurs around the world.

The announcement was made at the Coca-Cola “Level the Playing Field” DEI Summit in Sydney as the company builds on its long legacy of support for the FIFA Women’s World CupTM. Coca-Cola continues to work with influential partners around the world in a broader push for progress for women and under-represented groups across business and society.

Kiva is best-known for its global lending platform, which provides a simple way to connect lenders with borrowers through crowdfunding microfinance. This is an effective strategy to help get loans to people who would not otherwise have access to commercial bank services.

Over the next five years, Change Make Her will act as a revolving loan fund, supporting entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia, South Pacific, Africa, Latin America and Europe across a number of impact areas, including sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, water and retail.

Saadia Madsbjerg, president of The Coca-Cola Foundation, said repayments from borrowers will return to the fund, allowing funding to be loaned and re-loaned to borrowers around the world. This structure will allow a $1.1 million grant in 2023 to have up to a $4.5 million impact on loan volume by 2028.

“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Kiva, which goes beyond traditional forms of giving,” Madsbjerg said. “By joining forces with like-minded lenders and partners from around the world, the Change Make Her fund will enable us to lend, and relend, alongside thousands of others. It is a partnership based on a shared belief in the power of access to finance to uplift communities.

“Micro-enterprises are important contributors to job creation and global economic development,” Madsbjerg said. “We hope that in addition to directly supporting entrepreneurs, Change Make Her will create a ripple effect for generations to come as these entrepreneurs go on to create new jobs and drive prosperity in their communities.”

Over the past 17 years, Kiva has deployed over $2 billion to 4.7 million borrowers globally, more than any other crowdfunding platform. More than 80% of Kiva loans go to women, with a 96% repayment rate. In the Philippines, Kiva has provided loans of over $185,000 or nearly P10.5M to more than 587,000 borrowers across the country.

“Kiva is honoured to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation in expanding our work of financial access through life-changing loans,” said Vishal Ghotge, CEO of Kiva. “Together, we will be able to serve thousands more individuals than we would be able to do alone, demonstrating the collective power of value-aligned organizational partnerships. We are grateful to The Coca-Cola Foundation for its commitment and look forward to working alongside one another as we continue to advance gender equity, refugee financial inclusion, and climate-smart solutions in communities across the globe.”

Over the last four decades, The Coca-Cola Foundation has supported many economic empowerment programs across the world, including the decade-long 5by20 program, which together with The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners, enabled the economic empowerment of over 6 million women.

Through the Change Make Her program, Coca-Cola employees will be able to help direct Kiva loans to entrepreneurs and directly engage in supporting The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission. To find out more about Kiva’s platform, visit www.kiva.org.

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About The Coca-Cola Foundation

The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

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About Kiva 

Kiva is a global nonprofit, founded in 2005, with a mission to expand financial access and help underserved communities thrive. Kiva unlocks capital for borrowers through crowdfunded loans supported by individuals around the world. With as little as $25, you can support entrepreneurs and small business owners in the U.S. and across the globe with critical access to funding. Over two million people have invested $2 billion in real dreams and real opportunity, spanning more than 90 countries and 4.7 million borrowers. 

Coca-Cola Philippines expands partnership with Plastic Bank PH, accelerates collection and recycling in Laguna

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Coca-Cola Philippines continues to strengthen its partnerships with like-minded organizations to help address the issue of plastic waste in the country. As part of its efforts, the company has expanded the Ecosystem Impact Program in partnership with Plastic Bank Philippines, a social enterprise that builds collection and recycling ecosystems in communities to prevent ocean-bound plastic waste.

Since the program began operations in Cavite in 2021, it has now expanded to Laguna, with nine new partner shops on board, adding to a total of 15 recyclable wastes collection branches within Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank's program areas. Furthermore, over 160 new waste collection members have joined the Plastic Bank ecosystem, bringing the total number of members to 600. These new additions to the ecosystem have helped scale the collection of the Program.

Nine new partner shops have been enrolled to the Program this year, with plans to onboard more and further expand operations in Laguna in the coming months.

"Together with our partner, Plastic Bank Philippines, we are delighted to see the expansion of the Plastic Bank Ecosystem in Laguna. At Coca-Cola, we recognize our responsibility in helping address the global plastic waste problem, and we remain committed to growing our collection and recycling efforts across the nation, in collaboration with partners and communities," said Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Franchise East Region.

Through the Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program, partner branches, such as junk shops, are given access to tools and equipment for efficient waste collection, such as sacks, branch uniforms, weighing scales, and shop signages. In addition, members are also provided with training sessions on financial and business literacy, operations management, and health and sanitation. The Program also teaches them how to use the Plastic Bank app, which assists shop owners in tracking collections and sharing their waste collection impact online and at the same time provides ease of access to receive useful information and other benefits from the Program.

Roving waste collection members gather recyclable plastic from households, businesses, and other waste generating sources in the communities and bring the material to partner collection branches. They are the important link or the intermediaries between waste generators and recycling facilities playing a crucial role in the country’s waste management system by helping increase the recycling rate and reducing landfill waste.

The Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program works directly with individuals in the informal waste sector and MSMEs like junk shops to create collection and recycling ecosystems in communities that help prevent plastic waste from going into the ocean. The program also gives the members access to training and equipment for systemized waste collection.

The Program’s waste collection members bring the plastic waste to partner collection branches and receive an above-market rate for collected plastic, which is convertible into cash or digital tokens that can be used for health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity, and social and fintech services.

Gidget Velez, Chief Supply and Countries Officer of Plastic Bank, expressed gratitude for the continuously growing 3-year relationship with Coca-Cola Philippines. “Plastic pollution is a major crisis that affects all life on Earth. It requires the collective effort of all humanity to address this issue. We thank Coca-Cola Philippines for being part of our mission to stop ocean plastic and alleviate poverty for three years. Now that we opened a new ecosystem in Laguna, our journey together will create an even bigger impact for our planet and our society.”

The Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank Ecosystem Impact Program intends to empower and equip local junk shops to be able to independently sustain their waste collection ecosystems moving forward, through livelihood opportunities, social and financial benefits, and acceleration of collection capacity and processes. With this growing partnership with Plastic Bank, Coca-Cola Philippines remains committed to its World Without Waste vision and to helping create a sustainable packaging future for Filipinos.

Coca-Cola Philippines Supports Makati City’s Celebration of Earth Hour 2023

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Coca-Cola Philippines proudly supported the City Government of Makati’s celebration of Earth Hour 2023, held last March 25 at Circuit Event Grounds. The event emphasized the importance of energy conservation and mindful consumption of natural resources, while encouraging Filipinos to participate in the global effort.

(from L to R) Augusto De los Santos, Head of Department of Environmental Services (DES) of Makati City; Councilor Edralyn Marquez, Chairperson of Environmental Protection Committee of Makati City; Monique Lagdameo, Vice Mayor of Makati City; Makati Councilor Carmina Ortega; Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Region

In addition to supporting Earth Hour, Coca-Cola Philippines also provided support for the event, including refreshments for participants. Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Region, signed the commitment wall together with Makati City officials, City Hall employees, residents, and students.

Coca-Cola Philippines is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and is proud to be a part of initiatives that promote efforts towards a sustainable environment. The company believes that by working together with government, communities, and civil society, we can create a more sustainable future for all.

Earth Hour is a global event that has been held annually since 2007. It aims to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and encourage individuals and organizations to take action to protect the environment.

Coca-Cola PH continues to empower micro-entrepreneurs, celebrates 500 graduates of training program with TESDA

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(MANILA, Philippines, 28 March 2023) – 500 micro-entrepreneurs were awarded Certificates of Completion for finishing the iSTAR Program in a graduation ceremony held at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City last March 22, 2023.

Launched in 2021, the iSTAR Program is the digital adaptation of the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program, an enduring partnership between Coca-Cola Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which provides free access to training, resources, and peer mentoring to micro and small business owners to help them grow their businesses. The iSTAR Program has removed the limitations of in-classroom training and diversified its trainees by opening it to existing and start-up micro-retailers of all genders.

TESDA Director General Danilo P. Cruz (left) and Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario (right) also met during the iSTAR graduation ceremony to discuss plans to further expand and strengthen the training program.

Aimed at providing entrepreneurial training, sari-sari store owners and micro-entrepreneurs will be able to enhance their business knowledge such as online selling, inventory control, and planning; and gain access to microloans that will enable them to build their businesses further.

The iSTAR Program is one of the efforts of Coca-Cola Philippines in sustaining the economic empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. For over a decade, Coca-Cola's initiatives in this area have reached more than 270,000 women entrepreneurs in the retail sector across 17 regions and 81 provinces of the Philippines.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Partners with USAID Philippines for Watershed Rehabilitation in Iloilo and Negros Occidental

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Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) continues to support community access to clean, safe water through its partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines and non-government organizations, for projects that improve watershed conservation and promote a water-secure future in Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

To formalize the partnership, CCFPI and USAID signed two Memoranda of Agreement, one for the Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative Project and another for Sustaining Watershed Health through Sustainable Livelihood and Agroforestry Project in Negros Occidental last March 22 at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

(from left to right) Green Forum Western Visayas Principal Coordinator Melvin Purzuelo; CRS Philippines Subregional Country Representative Sanda Rihtman; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Chairman Tony del Rosario; USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn and; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecile Alcantara represented their respective organizations to cement their partnership for the IWARI program in Iloilo.

The Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative (IWARI) Project aims to promote climate resilience and help enhance water availability from the Tigum-Aganan Watershed and Iloilo-Batiano Watershed for upstream and downstream communities, including Iloilo City, through improved resource management. Through the CCFPI grant, IWARI Project will be implemented on the ground by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Philippines and Green Forum Western Visayas while USAID shall provide technical oversight. This will address the urgent need for sustainable management of critical watersheds in Iloilo province and ultimately help improve water availability from the watersheds.

(from left to right) Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecile Alcantara; Chairman Tony del Rosario; USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn and; NEDF President Wilhelmina Gonzales signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the SWATH Project in Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, the Sustaining Watershed Health through Sustainable Livelihood and Agroforestry (SWATH) Project in Negros Occidental aims to implement agroforestry and watershed conservation activities to help protect the province’s sources of freshwater, particularly the Himogaan River Watershed and Sicaba River Watershed — ensuring sustainable water resources for the farming communities and households of Negros Occidental residents. Through the CCFPI grant, the SWATH Project will be implemented on the ground by Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF) while USAID Philippines shall provide technical oversight.

Coca-Cola PH, Save Philippine Seas help expand community-based waste solution programs through Reimagine Recycling Year 4

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Five community-based programs that offer circular economy solutions have each received up to Php 500,000 in grant funding from the Reimagine Recycling initiative of Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, with special participation from Tetra Pak Philippines.

Reimagine Recycling is a program that aims to help non-government groups with emerging circular economy solutions that address issues in solid waste management and help improve the welfare of the informal waste sector. The program will help expand these projects through capacity-building workshops on stakeholder management, communications and business models, mentoring, and financial grant funding.

Now in its fourth year, it sought program proposals to support and fund through Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Coca-Cola Philippines’ social investment arm. Since the call for applications was opened in June 2022, 10 were shortlisted to present their waste solutions and receive training and tools that will equip them in growing their initiatives.

Out of the 10 shortlisted initiatives, Alon and Araw, Barrio Studios, #RefillNotLandfill, Sagip Kalikasan and KAKASIE Eco-Park were awarded grants and will continue their work this time with more project funding, not just on collection and recycling but also in educating communities on proper waste segregation and management.

“We at Coca-Cola believe in the power of partnerships to help address waste pollution and help establish a circular economy in the Philippines. This is why we continue to be supportive of collaborations like Reimagine Recycling that empower innovative and sustainable waste management solutions that create impact in the communities they serve,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for the East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “By partnering with Save Philippine Seas and Tetra Pak Philippines, we can help support entrepreneurs to scale up their existing programs that promote a circular economy, while also strengthening our efforts to achieve our goal of a World Without Waste.”

Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with Save Philippine Seas and Tetra Pak, named the winners of this year’s Reimagine Recycling program at the World Without Waste Year 4 Progress Report event on October 14, 2022, awarding them with total grant funding of up to Php 500,000 each. 

Joining the awardees on stage are (from leftmost inward) Michael Wu, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Market Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia; Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Franchise East Region, Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific; (from rightmost inward) Cecile Alcantara, President, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.; and Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

With additional funding from Coca-Cola Philippines and its partners, winners of Reimagine Recycling Year 4 can now focus on expanding and building a stronger foundation for its initiatives:

Alon and Araw provides opportunities for underprivileged children of coastal communities through sports, which enable them to foster love for the environment and aspire for a future with a better quality of life. Alon and Araw regularly conducts coastal cleanups as well as sports, education, and personal development workshops that reinforce important values and encourage responsibility within the family, society, and the environment;

Barrio Studios is a textile and manufacturing hub by TenTwenty Kids that helps businesses manage their pre-consumer textile waste through the collection, segregation, and transformation of reclaimed fabrics into higher-value goods;

#RefillNotLandfill is an advocacy of Suds Sustainable Pods, the country’s first pod brand that offers personal hygiene and household cleaning products packaged in water-soluble film that is biodegradable, non-toxic, and waste-free, offering a sustainable solution to sanitation. Suds was created to help reduce plastic waste and carbon footprint while providing a sustainable alternative that effectively cleans;

Sagip Kalikasan aims to prevent the leakage of plastics into the ocean through environmental education, waste segregation, and collection in the municipalities of Naic, Marogondon and General Trias, Cavite. And lastly;

Kasambuhan A’a Kauman Association for Sustainability, Innovation and Empowerment (KAKASIE) seeks to help address issues on improper waste disposal in Sapa-sapa, Tawi-Tawi by conducting regular training on recycling and upcycling. The community-based organization also aims to build an environmentally-friendly park.

“It is truly inspiring to work closely with entrepreneurs and advocates on programs that help tackle waste pollution—from plastic waste collection, managing textile waste, to educational training. We are excited to support this year’s Reimagineers and see their initiatives grow through the resources and mentorship provided by the program,” said Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

Smart Recycle PH was also awarded the Tetra Pak Special Award with grant funding for helping bridge ordinary citizens, business organizations, and verified collection partners, especially for the benefit of local junk shop owners.

"We congratulate Smart Recycle PH for the milestone they have achieved. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support high-potential community-based programs that not only advance grassroots innovation and circularity, but also share our commitment to protecting what’s good through multilateral collaborations,” said Michael Wu, Managing Director, Tetra Pak Market Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia. “Together with our partners, we hope to continue empowering the next generation to make a positive impact in building a future without waste.”

“Consistent with our mission to help uplift the lives of the communities that we serve, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines will continue to support innovations that will empower communities and inspire Filipinos to initiate their own waste solution programs, as this year’s Reimagineers have,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. “This year’s winners have proven that there are individuals and organizations who are eager to step up and create an impact in their own ways, and we in the Coca-Cola Foundation always welcome such efforts,” she adds.

In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company, through its World Without Waste vision, announced its global ambition to support a circular economy to help eliminate waste through the continual use of packaging as a valuable resource. In addition to the Reimagine Recycling program, Coca-Cola Philippines is accelerating more waste management solutions aligned with its World Without Waste goals. The company has this year opened PETValue, the first bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in the country. PETValue is a joint venture between Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. and Indorama Ventures, a global leader in packaging solutions. Coca-Cola also continues to find and deploy sustainable, effective solutions to help address the waste issue with the support of partners and communities.

For more information about Reimagine Recycling, please visit https://www.savephilippineseas.org/.

You may also read more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ World Without Waste initiatives at https://www.coca-cola.com.ph/news/our-world-without-waste-progress.

Coca-Cola Philippines: Driving progress towards packaging circularity in the PH

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Coca-Cola Philippines today shared with stakeholders and media the four-year progress of its World Without Waste goals—the company’s global sustainable packaging initiative to support a circular economy to eliminate waste through the continual use of packaging as a valuable resource. The company’s progress highlighted in the announcement includes:

●    100% operational status of the country’s first-of-its-kind recycling facility PETValue Philippines;

●       Move to transition select Coca-Cola Original Taste and Wilkins Pure packaging to 100% recycled PET plastic (rPET) packaging (excluding caps and labels);

●       The impact of partnerships driving collective action toward a circular economy for plastic, including supporting the set-up of over 800 collection points for used PET plastic bottles nationwide.

“At Coca-Cola, we continue to be guided by our purpose of refreshing the world and making a difference through loved brands that are produced sustainably, for a better shared future,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for the East Franchise Operations of Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific. “It has been four years since starting our World Without Waste journey, and we understand more than ever the importance of partnership and collective action. Together, we are making good progress in accelerating the transition to a circular economy for our packaging in the Philippines, with much more still to do.”

(from left) Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Franchise East Region, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific; Cecile Alcantara, President, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.; Jonah De Lumen-Pernia, Director, Philippines Franchise, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific; Sanjay Ahuja, Executive President, Global PET Business and Recycling, Indorama Ventures; Gareth McGeown, President and CEO, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc.; Senator Cynthia Villar, Chairperson, Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and; Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, Director for Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc., toast to doubling down on Coca-Cola Philippines’ full commitment to a World Without Waste by strengthening current bonds and forging new partnerships with like-minded organizations.

Senator Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee for Environment and Natural Resources and keynote speaker in this year’s event shared her thoughts on the beverage company’s mission to contribute to the circular economy. “It has been three years since Coca-Cola put forward its commitment to build its own PET bottle facility, and I am pleased that it has now become a reality. Its opening could not have come at a better time, as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 or Republic Act No. 11898, has lapsed into law. The legislation is not in itself the solution to eliminate all our plastic wastes, but it is certainly a big step forward towards the right direction,” Villar shared.

“The EPR Law places responsibility for products squarely on the shoulders of the manufacturer from cradle to grave. Hence, I have to laud your company for not only looking at collection compliance but also developing ways in which your very packaging incorporates recycled material and uses less virgin plastic,” she further added.

Pioneering recycling facility in PH now 100% fully operational

PETValue Philippines—a world-class bottle-to-bottle recycling facility that makes use of advanced recycling technologies—is now 100% operational in General Trias, Cavite. PETValue has a projected capacity of processing approximately 2 billion pieces of used clear PET plastic bottles—thus situating itself as a major contributor to a circular economy in the country, and in creating more direct and indirect job opportunities for Filipinos.

Clear plastic bottles—regardless of brand—that are collected from partners and collection points will be recycled at PETValue Philippines. The locally produced recycled PET resin straight from the facility will be used for Coca-Cola brands in recycled PET plastic packaging—thus creating a circular economy for the company’s packaging in the Philippines.

The facility is the result of a groundbreaking partnership between Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc.—the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country–and Indorama Ventures, a global leader in packaging solutions and green technology.

“We are extremely proud of PETValue Philippines and our partnership with Indorama Ventures, whose global expertise in recycling technologies will prove to be an asset to the Philippines’ collective goals for sustainability,” said Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. “Sustainability is at the heart of who we are as a company, as proven by more than a century of Coca-Cola treating the Philippines as its home. And it is through innovations like PETValue and strengthened sustainable practices that we will be here for another 100 years, serving Filipino communities.”

As the world’s largest producer of recycled resin used in plastic beverage bottles, PETValue Philippines is Indorama Venture’s latest and most advanced recycled PET facility, joining a family of recycling plants across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Sanjay Ahuja, Executive President of Combined PET, Indorama Ventures shared, “The linear economy of the past was about ‘make, use, dispose.’ The circular economy of the future is about ‘make, use, collect, and recycle.’ A circular economy is a place where we all work together. It is a future where the government, civic society, and industries deliver sustainable solutions.”

Ahuja encouraged the public, “When you enjoy a Coke in a PET bottle and ensure it is collected and sent to PETValue for recycling, you play an active part in the sustainable future of the Philippines. The new science and technology that PETValue will use—to give old bottles new life—is a key part of this journey into the future.” 

Supporting recycling and collection: Empowering MSMEs and the solid waste management sector 

Coca-Cola Philippines makes use of every opportunity to bring positive change to individuals and small businesses such as sari-sari stores, waste collectors, and junk shops, with the belief that much more can be achieved through partnerships—whether with the private sector, government units, or civil society.

The company has also partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to create TESDA-certified skills training programs that will help develop the competencies of workers in the waste sector. The National Solid Waste Management Training Program for a World Without Waste (NSWMTP-WWW), is currently being piloted by TESDA in the municipal government of Angono, Rizal, which has committed the full participation of all its 10 barangays.

Department of Natural Resources Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga has commended this effort. “The public private partnership that Coca-Cola Philippines has with TESDA is extremely important in creating an ecosystem to support our work. The NSWMTP-WWW is an initiative that we at the DENR would like to closely partner with the company on,” she said. “I understand that discussions are currently in place to scale up on national implementation, and we hope to be a part of that, at the grassroots community level as well,” she added.

The company’s program with Plastic Bank has enabled the collection and recycling of almost 13.7 million PET plastic bottles—an undertaking that has simultaneously benefited the lives of informal waste collectors in Cavite. They were given access to training, tools, and equipment for efficient waste collection and a source of livelihood and were connected to Materials Recovery Facilities and junk shops that buy their collections to ensure the sustainability of the program. 

As of September 2022, Coca-Cola Philippines has also established over 800 collection points for used PET bottles nationwide. These collection points help promote the segregation and collection of used PET bottles for recycling.  

The company has been working with MSMEs to expand this network of collection points—through programs like Tapon to Ipon – Basta Klaro, Panalo! and Tindahan Extra Mile: Balik PET Bottle Program, Coca-Cola partners with traditional trade outlets such as sari-sari stores and carinderias to become collection hubs, where community members can drop off used, clear PET plastic bottles and get incentives in return. In turn, sari-sari store and carinderia partners also earn additional income from selling collected PET plastic bottles directly to waste management companies and recyclers. The goal is to activate a total of 2,200 collection hubs across the Philippines. 

Promoting sustainable packaging solutions 

Innovation in sustainable packaging remains a key objective for Coca-Cola, and the company announced that it will transition key brands Coca-Cola Original Taste and Wilkins Pure to 100% recycled PET plastic packaging (excluding caps and labels) by 2023. These new packaging formats will expand the company’s line-up of products in recycled plastic packaging in the Philippines. In 2019, the company was the first to launch 100% recycled PET plastic for its Viva! bottles and shifted its Sprite 500ml to 100% recycled PET plastic. Today, meanwhile, the company continues to utilize returnable glass bottles for approximately 50% of its products in the Philippines.

Coca-Cola also continues to redesign its PET plastic packaging by light weighting products to reduce the overall impact of its carbon footprint in the Philippines.

Collaborating and cooperating to create a circular economy 

The company’s efforts in contributing to a circular economy have demonstrated, impact can be made through the power of partnership—whether it’s connecting NGOs and the private sector with communities or empowering them through various resources and business opportunities. 

Alongside partnerships with the private sector, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, and its 28 partner NGOs, Coca-Cola’s goal of a World Without Waste has spread to 204 barangays, leading to the collection of over 119,000 kilos of waste, and empowering over 680 waste pickers nationwide. 

Five winners of Reimagine Recycling Year 4—a project of Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines that helps scale community-based plastic waste solutions—were also announced during the event, awarding the winners with grants of up to P500,000 each for their winning programs. Barrio Studios, Sagip Kalikasan, KAKASIE Eco-Park, #RefillNotLandfill, and Alon and Araw will continue their work this time with more project funding not just on collection and recycling but also in educating communities on proper waste segregation and management. Smart Recyclers was also awarded the Tetra Pak Special Award for helping minimize landfill waste by bridging together citizens, business organizations, and collection partners.

For Coca-Cola, bringing together communities and uniting them towards a common pursuit is a crucial step in its sustainability journey. Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., shared, “Aligned with the company’s commitment to providing a better shared future for people, communities, and the planet, we ensure that we support a circular economy. There is no single or simple solution to the problem of plastic waste in our country. We need to come together to drive sustained progress and impact.” 

Coca-Cola looks forward to partnering with more like-minded organizations and communities to make its vision of a World Without Waste a reality—supporting the creation of a circular economy in packaging, where jobs are created and livelihoods are supported. 

“As a global beverage company, we are continuously innovating our packaging lifecycle and we recognize our role and responsibility to help tackle the plastic packaging waste issue in the Philippines,” del Rosario concluded. “We are committed to finding and deploying sustainable, effective solutions to help address the issue at its very core, with the support of our partners and communities.”

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ World Without Waste roadmap, visit http://www.coca-cola.com.ph.

 

Coca-Cola Philippines and partners mobilize over 400 volunteers to join coastal cleanup

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Despite rain, volunteers from over 30 organizations join International Coastal Cleanup activation at Subic Bay

Over 30 organizations gathered last September 17 at Subic Bay to pluck away debris and trash along its coastline and waters. Armed with cleaning kits provided by Coca-Cola Philippines and taught to properly segregate waste collected from the cleanup by the Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, some 430 volunteers were undeterred by the rain and joined many other groups and organizations in the country who participated in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). Employees of Coca-Cola Philippines from Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, and Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines’ (CCBPI) North Luzon Commercial Unit also joined this year’s ICC at Subic.

Organized by Coca-Cola Philippines in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and the Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, this year’s ICC activity at Subic Bay helped to deliver on the ongoing commitment of Coca-Cola Philippines to create partnerships that promote a debris-free environment, consistent with the World Without Waste vision of the company.

“At Coca-Cola, we recognize our responsibility to help solve the global plastic waste problem. To help create a World Without Waste, we have a global goal to help collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can we sell by 2030. This is an ambitious goal that we cannot achieve alone, which is why we collaborate with like-minded organizations to help drive collective action,” said Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, Director for the Philippines Franchise, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific.

“We are grateful to all the volunteers who traveled to Subic, brought their family and friends, and chose to spend their Saturday with us doing coastal cleanup. It feels great to see the sense of volunteerism for the environment alive through this ICC event, especially after a two-year hiatus,” said Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Director for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Franchise East Region, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific.

The ICC is a global movement where volunteers from more than 90 countries simultaneously remove debris from shorelines, rivers, lakes, and waterways; raise environmental awareness; and provide information that will guide and influence decision-making bodies and industries in developing smart solutions to the persisting marine debris problem.

Addressing a persisting challenge

SBMA Chair Rolen Paulino emphasized the importance of working together to ensure a sustainable future and healthy environment for the next generation. “Mga bata, makinig kayo. Para sa inyo itong ginagawa namin. Sana may maiwan pa kami na environment [para sa inyo]. Sana ‘yung ilog natin malinis pa, sana ‘yung beaches natin [ay] pwede pang paliguan. Request ko lang [na] huwag na tayong makadagdag [ng basura]. Be conscious, sa atin lang [galing] ito lahat,” he said, addressing the volunteers. “Nagpapasalamat ako [na] merong Lighthouse [Legacy Foundation] at Coca-Cola na gustong maging maganda pa ‘yung titirhan ng mga bata, ng mga next generation."

(Kids, listen. We are doing these cleanup initiatives for your generation. I truly hope that we can leave a clean, healthy environment for you. I hope we can keep our rivers clean, and our beaches safe for swimming. I ask you all to please avoid throwing away trash into the environment. Let’s manage it properly. Be conscious because this pollution was also caused by us. I thank the Lighthouse Legacy Foundation and Coca-Cola for undertaking programs that address the roots of plastic pollution for our children and their next generation.)

“Joining the coastal cleanup, I learned a lot about proper waste collection, segregation, and recycling, which I plan to share with my loved ones. We all need to help reduce waste, and this initiative is an opportunity to get everyone to realize that safeguarding the environment is a shared responsibility,” shares a volunteer from Alon at Araw organization, which had the largest delegation of volunteers during the cleanup.

The annual ICC event is an opportunity to reinvigorate the spirit of volunteerism among Filipinos by enlisting their participation in helping reduce marine litter. “It is important for the Philippines to act quickly on the matter because failure to do so would mean irreparable damage to our marine resources,” said Zed Avecilla, Executive Director, Lighthouse Legacy Foundation. “The annual ICC is always a good opportunity to raise awareness on marine pollution and the importance of proper waste segregation and disposal.”

This ICC activity in Subic this year was able to divert 733.46 kilos of marine debris, equivalent to 295 sacks of waste. Recyclable plastics will be brought to partner recycling organizations such as Precious Plastics Philippines and Sentinel Upcycling Technologies, while the rest will be considered for waste to energy or will be brought to landfills.

ICC activity in other areas

CCBPI—the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the Philippines—also activated 20 of its sites to participate in ICC activity in other parts of the country from September 16 to 17, and 19. Across its vast footprint in the country, CCBPI aim to refresh the Philippines and make a difference as it strives to operate its business with the highest sustainability standards.

“CCBPI’s yearly participation in the International Coastal Cleanup is just one of the many ways we ensure that we remain an integral part in supporting a debris-free environment for the communities we operate in. As we help reduce marine litter, we unceasingly accelerate our used clear PET plastic bottle collection efforts nationwide — helping to turn our World Without Waste commitment into reality through the collaboration of our employees and partners across the Philippines,” said Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc.

Commitment to a World Without Waste

In 2018, Coca-Cola announced its global vision of a World Without Waste including the ambitious goals of helping collect a bottle or can for every one it sells by 2030 and using at least 50% recycled content in its packaging by 2025.

To encourage recycling and promote a circular economy, in 2019, the beverage company introduced the Philippines’ first beverage bottles made from 100% recycled plastic material (excluding the cap and label) with the launch of its Viva! Mineralized water and Sprite 500ml clear bottles made from 100% recycled plastic.

Moreover, Coca-Cola also placed “Recycle Me” on all of its package labels across Coca-Cola brands in the Philippines to promote and remind consumers about the value of recycling and how everyone can take part in the recycling process.

Coca-Cola Philippines, and its community partners nationwide, also made its accessible for consumers to know where to drop off their used PET bottles through the Coca-Cola Philippines website.

“We recognize that there continues to be too much plastic in the world ending up where it shouldn’t be. Nobody wants to see that. At Coca-Cola, we’re fully committed to making our vision of a World Without Waste come to life,” said Tony Del Rosario, Coca-Cola Philippines President and VP for Franchise Operations for the ASEAN and South Pacific Unit-East Asia Region.