Coca-Cola, NBC, Partners Take Action To Eliminate Wastes Debris From Beaches

The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria, CHI Limited and Nigerian Bottling Company, has reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable ecosystems and ocean preservation through its Annual System Beach Cleanup exercise in furtherance of its World Without Waste vision.  Through this vision, the company is investing in the planet and in its packaging with a goal to collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one it sells globally – regardless of where it comes from – by 2030.

With plastic contributing up to 80 percent of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments; individuals, communities and organizations continue to drive actions and initiatives that seek to advance coastal preservation while accelerating innovative solutions to further this agenda.

Every year, The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria pulls together likeminded partners for a beach cleanup drive focused on eliminating plastic waste debris from beaches, ultimately preserving shorelines of coastal communities. This year, in partnership with local NGO, Mental and Environmental Development Initiative for Children (MEDIC), the total beverage company hosted residents and partners to yet another impactful exercise at Elegushi Beach, Lagos on Friday, June 16th 2023.

The exercise, led by Doyinsola Ogunye, Founder of Mental and Environmental Development Initiative for Children (MEDIC), saw an attendance of over 300 persons and played host to notable environmental advocates including community volunteers and local environmental protection agencies, all coming together united by a singular vision of a World Without Waste championed by the leading beverage company.

Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria, during her opening remarks reiterated the significance of the exercise and how the company is committed to fostering partnerships that promote environmental preservation.

She added, “Ultimately, we recognize that we can’t achieve our goals alone. Addressing plastic waste and recycling challenges requires collaboration between the industry, the public sector, and civil society. Through effective collaboration as well as partnerships with NGOs such as the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), we can help accelerate impact.

Soromidayo George, Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nigerian Bottling Company, also reinforced the vision of the System in advancing solutions that address waste management across the country.

Present at the exercise were the Acting Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Kunle Adebiyi,; General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Fasewe represented by Mr. Kayode Bello , Arese Onaghise, Executive Secretary, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance and Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications, Nestle Nigeria, alongside representatives of SWEEP Foundation, FABE Foundation, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), Sterling One Foundation and other volunteers.

About Coca-Cola Nigeria

Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited is a total beverage company, offering one of the world’s most valuable brands, Coca-Cola. Our company portfolio includes valuable beverage brands, such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, 5Alive juices, Eva water, Schweppes and Limca. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

About Nigerian Bottling Company

Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (NBC) is a member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) Group, an anchor bottler for The Coca-Cola Company in 28 countries with over 715 million consumers and more than 197 brands in these markets. Their operations have continued to grow over the years and today NBC operates 8 manufacturing plants and 14 distribution centres across Nigeria. NBC serves consumers across Nigeria by manufacturing, marketing, and distributing a portfolio of strong brands including Sparking Soft Drinks which has the iconic Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes, and Limca; Still Drinks including the Five Alive range and Eva water as well as Monster and Predator energy drinks.