Coca‑Cola, FBRA and Others Bag Wamason Sustainability Excellence Award for Driving Circular Economy
An Award of recognition has been presented to The Coca‑Cola Foundation following its laudable efforts in driving a Circular Economy through its various recycling initiatives, by the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON) at its Corporate Dinner held in Lagos State recently.
The event which was themed “Roles of Corporate Organizations in Implementing Circular Economy in Lagos with a focus on Sustainable Plastic Management” was an avenue to recognize and celebrate organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to waste management in Nigeria.
The Waste Management Society of Nigeria is a renowned NGO that has over the years, contributed to promoting an integrated and sustainable waste management process in Lagos State by focusing on controlling pollution and minimizing the contribution of waste to the national carbon footprint and climate change.
According to the organizing committee for the event, “The Coca‑Cola Foundation was recognized as a result of its continuous support of recycling activities across Nigeria in a bid to ensure effective life cycle management of plastic packaging materials.”
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Dr Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen commended WAMASON on its efforts in addressing environmental pollution and waste management issues. He explained that the Ministry would continue to support recycling programs aimed at achieving a clean and sustainable environment for Nigerians.
The Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca‑Cola Nigeria, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, expressed her delight while reiterating the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. “The Coca‑Cola System is committed to promoting a more sustainable world through its signature World Without Waste initiatives across the nation and are delighted that our tenacious efforts and leadership are being recognized.”
She added that the recognition serves as a reminder that plastic waste management in Nigeria requires industry collaboration and multi-stakeholder approach to ensure the eradication of environmental degradation. She further stated that waste management continues to sit at the core of the company’s sustainability commitments across the world.
Also noteworthy are recognition of various Coca‑Cola Foundation funded projects like RESWAYE (Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment) implemented by MEDIC,
,Waste in the City implemented by Statewide Waste and Environmental Education Foundation (SWEEP),
Recycles pay implemented by African Cleanup Initiative and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), which Coca‑Cola is a founding member. These projects have delivered the recovery of over one billion bottles from the environment and empowered over 5,000 youths, women, collectors and waste pickers stimulating circular economy and protecting the environment. The Coca‑Cola system will continue to harness partnerships in driving innovative solutions to plastic pollution in Nigeria through collective impact while championing behavioural change via community education programmes.