Coca-Cola Partners UNILAG on Sustainable Plastic Waste Management
Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd. on Tuesday, in partnership with the University of Lagos, commissioned a Green Eco Hub project at the university campus in Yaba, Lagos.
The initiative entails the installation and operation of four drop off centres for the collection of post-consumer PET bottles for recycling; a sustainability learning centre to educate and create awareness on recycling, a nd the funding of a baling equipment for the optimisation of PET transport logistics.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at NBC, Oluwasoromidayo George, said, “Plastic waste becomes a menace to the environment when not separated and channelled for recycling. Our ‘World Without Waste’ agenda aims to help address it, as it is built under key strategic pillars of design, collect and partner, which we have been implementing across our operations. We have the strong belief that every package has value and life beyond its initial use and as such should be collected and recycled into either a new bottle or another material for beneficial use, thereby taking off the lid on one use only life span into a completely circular economy. Partnering on projects like this, is one of several ways through which we as a producer, are leading the way in driving awareness on the importance of waste separation for recycling and sustaining the creation of economic prosperity through the plastic recycling value chain.”
The Director, Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, during her remarks reiterated the commitment of the Coca-Cola System to collect one bottle or can for everyone it produces by 2030 under its World Without Waste vision.
She said, “Through our partnership with the University of Lagos on the launch of its Green Hub, we hope to further engender proper waste management practices that deepen our sustainability thrust amongst the youth demographic.We are on a journey to a World Without Waste and as we partner with likeminded organizations to advance this agenda, we are working to achieve 100 per cent collection of our packaging by 2030 with 50 per cent recycled content in our packaging by 2030.”
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, University of Lagos, Professor Lucien Obinna Chukwu representing the 13th Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor FolasadeOgunsola, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that NBC’s efforts to rid the environment of plastic waste is in alignment with the university’s ongoing environmental sustainability efforts.
She said, “Today, we are glad that the University of Lagos is at the forefront in the realm of sustainability among all other universities nationwide. I would like to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to our esteemed partners, the Nigerian Bottling Company, and our other collaborators, who have recognized the significance of bringing this innovation to our university. This program goes beyond the goal of protecting and sustaining the environment; it specifically highlights the urgent need to manage our waste, especially plastics. In Nigeria, we face challenges with PET bottles which ultimately end up in our waterways and numerous dump sites across the country.”
“The program aims to tackle the necessity of behaviour change and introduce innovative plastic recycling practices. Ultimately, this initiative will not only enhance our environmental sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint but also contribute to revenue generation, fostering a circular economy,” Professor Lucien added.
This initiative is projected to reduce the institution’s carbon footprint by 15 per cent whilst impacting over 1,000 stakeholders on carbon literacy. The drop-off centres are strategically located across the UNILAG campus including the Amina Hall, Mariere Hall, High-rise, and DLI bus stop.
A year ago, through its parent company, Coca-Cola HBC, NBC announced a €1m fund to support community empowerment and social impact programmes in Nigeria. Part of this includes community recycling initiatives and since then, the company has commissioned several recycling banks and PET-collection infrastructures across the country.
