Lagos: The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, which includes Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd. and the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), has introduced a cutting-edge packaging collection hub in Lagos aimed at addressing waste management challenges. Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola, highlighted during the inauguration that the facility is poised to significantly reduce waste by collecting and recycling packaging materials in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this facility stands as a landmark initiative in the country’s plastics recycling infrastructure, with the capability to process up to 13,000 metric tonnes of plastic bottles annually. Bogdanovic emphasized that the investment in the hub supports local communities, creates jobs, and demonstrates Coca-Cola’s commitment to building a more sustainable future. The initiative aligns with Coca-Cola’s global objective to mitigate packaging waste and emissions by integrating 35 to 40 percent recycled materials in primary packaging of plastic, glass, and aluminum, and aims to increase the use of recycled plastic to 35 percent globally.
Luisa Ortega, President of Coca-Cola Company’s Africa Operating Unit, affirmed the company’s longstanding commitment to Nigerian communities. She noted that Coca-Cola would continue to innovate in design, explore and enhance collection models, and invest in local infrastructure like the new hub. The facility is intended to be a comprehensive solution for plastic waste management, facilitating PET collection, processing materials into clean PET bales, and enabling recycled polyethylene (rPET) production through third-party partnerships. The vision is to scale the model once its success is demonstrated.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade and Investment, commended the launch as a significant stride towards sustainability, economic growth, and environmental responsibility in Nigeria. She praised Coca-Cola for its vision and investment, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision for a prosperous and self-sustaining nation.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Circular Economy, described the facility as a symbol of progress and a demonstration of the type of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) needed in Lagos. He stated that the hub would play a crucial role in collecting, sorting, and recycling PET plastics, thus significantly reducing plastic pollution in the environment.
Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, hailed the development as a bold step redefining Nigeria’s industrial landscape, demonstrating the convergence of manufacturing with sustainability and industry for impactful outcomes. The establishment of the hub marks an important moment in Nigeria’s national industrial journey, showcasing how industries can rise beyond profit to embrace environmental responsibility and job creation.