Residents here in Port Moresby can now return empty PET plastic bottles to exchange for cash.
This is the result of a partnership between Coca Cola Europacific Partners PNG, Coca Cola Papua New Guinea and Branis Recycling Limited. CCEP PNG Commercial Director, Mr. Tim Solly said that as a beverage manufacturer in PNG, they believe that it is their responsibility to have a long term commitment to the sustainability of their packaging.
“Packaging waste is undoubtedly a major challenge and it’s also a solvable one, if we take action.” “Our plastic bottles have an ongoing intrinsic value and we need to treat them this way.”
“We have partnered with Branis Recycling limited to collect PET plastic beverage bottles to prevent the going to landfill, waterways or the environment.”
“Members of the public are paid an incentive of K1 per kilo.”
“The collected beverage bottles are pre-processed using a shredder and then sent offshore for further recycling due to the absence of a PET resin recycling facility in the country.”
It began as a pilot project in August 2022 and so far, 40 tonnes of PET plastic beverage bottles have already been collected and shipped offshore for recycling.
People can bring their empty PET plastic bottles to Branis collection centres at Ahuia St, Gordons; Spondias St, Hohola; Movivina St, Gerehu; Gordons and Badili and they will be paid in return for the bottles. Coca Cola has purchased two PET shredders, which will pre-process the material and turn it into flake making it easier and more cost effective to ship the material offshore.
Previously, PET plastic beverage bottles have been baled before they were shipped.
Solly said that CCEP PNG and Coca Cola Papua New Guinea are aiming to expand PET collection across the country with plans to begin in Lae, Morobe Province. Coca Cola ASEAN & South Pacific Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Mr. Russel Mahoney said that the company is very proud to launch the PET Collection in Papua New Guinea with the partnership of CCEP PNG and Branis Recycling.
“Like most people, we don’t want to see our bottles end up as litter.” “We are committed to doing more and being part of the solution.”
“Our ultimate goal is to help collect and recycle the equivalent of one bottle for every bottle we bring to the market by 2030.”
“However, we can’t achieve our goals alone.”
“Addressing plastic waste and recycling challenges requires collaboration between industry, the public sector and civil society and we look forward to working with these groups in Papua New Guinea to significantly increase the amount of PET plastic beverage bottles collected.”
In addition, CCEP’s sustainability targets include goals on decarbonizing the business, sustainable sourcing of ingredients, water security, building a resilient and low carbon supply chain.