In an effort to promote the ‘world without waste’ agenda, in Ghana, Coca-Cola has donated sprite clear bins to the University of Ghana through the University of Ghana Plastic Recycling Project (UGPRP).
The bins will be placed around the campus to encourage students and staff to recycle plastic bottles regularly.
This is part of the Coca-Cola company’s world without waste vision, which targets to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sell and use 50 percent recycled material in all its packaging by 2030.
It is also a follow-up to sprite’s recent transition from green to clear PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles.
In an interview with the media, Corporate Affairs Director of Equatorial Coca-Cola West African Countries Business Unit, Bethel Yeboah said his outfit is committed to clearing the environment of the post-consumer wastes.
He added that the donation is in line with their dedication to partner and collaborate with like-minded individuals to make value out of these wastes.
We have collaborated with others not only in Accra but also in Takoradi and Kumasi, and we intend to keep doing so until all Ghanaians, not just those who work in the recycling industry
“We have partnered with others not only in Accra but also Takoradi and Kumasi. We intend to keep doing so until all Ghanaians, not just those who work in the recycling industry have the mindset of not lettering the environment. We really are not utilising it, waste has value,” he said.
“The future is clear – we are on a mission to create a world without waste, and sprite’s clear PET packaging is a step in the right direction. With the sprite clear bins, we are making recycling easy and convenient, help to reduce waste on campus and promote recycling among students and staff.
By amplifying the sorting and recycling process, this initiative is expected to positively impact the local after-use plastics market by elevating the value of plastic waste. Moreover, it would provide an enhanced income source for waste aggregators, further contributing to local economic empowerment,” Franchise Director for the Equatorial Africa Region at Coca-Cola Africa, Seshnee Naidoo also stated.
Felix Gomis, Managing Director, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) West Africa Countries Business Unit also stated that they remain committed to help drive collective action to achieve a circular economy, and its partnership with the University of Ghana Plastic Recycling project on this initiative aligns with the goal.
“This symbolises our dedication to a more sustainable campus community,” he added.
On the part of the university, Director for the Institute for Environmental and Sanitation Studies Prof. Kwasi Appeaning Addo commended Coca-Cola for the gesture, saying that the donation will assist them as there is an urgent need to control the increasing challenges with plastic waste.
“This donation of recycling dustbins and a tricycle from Coca-Cola to the University of Ghana Plastic Recycling Project (UGPRP) is therefore a step in the right direction. Our objective is to create a system where waste is minimized, resources are conserved, and materials are repurposed in the university and beyond,” he said.
He added that the support underscores the importance of academia and industry collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
“It is exciting to note that our commitment to championing a circular economy in the university community is acknowledged with such a supportive gesture from Coca-Cola. It demonstrates that we can work together to create models for sustainable waste management.
This donation therefore serves as a call to action, for us to collectively explore innovative approaches and research-driven solutions,” he urged.
In addition to the Sprite Clear Bins, 20 mega bins and a Tricycle were also presented to enhance plastic waste collection in the institution. Through these actions, the Coca-Cola system in Ghana contributes to the ongoing efforts to achieve effective waste management practices among students, contributing to a cleaner campus environment.
