Coca-Cola to invest in P1-billion recycling facility in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Incorporated (CCBPI) said it will be investing P1 billion to pioneer a food-grade recycling facility in the country, its first major investment in a recycling plant within Southeast Asia.

CCBPI president and chief executive officer Gareth McGeown said in a statement on Friday, June 7, that they aim to reduce plastic waste in the Philippines by collecting, sorting, cleaning, and recycling used polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.

"This facility is testament to our resolve in making our World Without Waste vision a reality across the country, with real positive impact not just across our value chain, but also in the communities where we belong," he added.

CCBPI is the beverage maker's bottling arm in the Philippines. The company said it is already in talks with a local firm and an "internationally-recognized green technology partner."

The company also expects the planned facility to generate jobs. More details are expected to be released on Tuesday, June 11, when CCBPI launches its road map for a more sustainable business model.

Coca-Cola, which was listed by environmental groups as one of the top sources of plastic waste both in the Philippines and worldwide, launched its World Without Waste commitment to collect all of its used bottles and cans by 2030.

Read more: Rappler