By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) has stepped up its environmental sustainability campaign by expanding partnerships with Metro Manila local government units to improve the recovery and recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.
The beverage company has donated baling machines and PET bottle collection bins to the cities of Manila, Pasig, Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Caloocan to strengthen community-based recycling efforts and help reduce plastic waste ending up in landfills and waterways.
The donated baling machines compress used PET bottles into tightly packed bales, allowing recycling facilities to maximize storage space and transport larger volumes of recyclable materials more efficiently.
CCEAP said the initiative is designed to reinforce the country’s circular economy by making plastic collection and recycling systems more accessible and effective at the community level.
“Effective recovery and recycling systems are built through collaboration. By working with local governments and community partners, we can make PET bottle collection more efficient and accessible where it matters most,” said Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, the company’s Vice President for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs.
In Manila, the equipment has strengthened operations at the Materials Recovery Facility inside the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden.
According to Engr. John Vaughn Caoyong of the Manila Department of Environment and Public Services, the baling machine has significantly improved recycling logistics by enabling workers to compact PET bottles, reducing storage requirements while allowing more recyclable materials to be transported in fewer trips.
The city has likewise installed PET collection bins in high-traffic areas, including Manila City Hall and the Manila Zoo, as part of its “Tapon to Ipon” recycling campaign aimed at encouraging residents to properly dispose of plastic bottles.
Beyond Manila, CCEAP has also provided baling machines to Pasig City’s Innovation for Circular Economy (ICE) Hub, Barangay Ugong’s Materials Recovery Facility in Valenzuela, Palerong Manggagawa ng Payatas in Quezon City, and the Caloocan City Materials Recovery Facility.
The company said these partnerships seek to improve plastic recovery systems, increase recycling rates, and support local governments in promoting responsible waste management as part of broader efforts to create a more sustainable and environmentally resilient Metro Manila.
ia/xf
