Coca-Cola China launches community recycling initiative

The project aims to make recycling more visible to consumers by demonstrating how discarded packaging can be converted into practical products.

"As a beverage company, we not only focus on our products, but also on where packaging goes after use," Hatty Jin, vice-president of Coca-Cola Greater China and Mongolia, said.

"Through a community co-creation initiative like 'The Amazing Bottle', we hope to extend this initiative beyond purchase to public participation," she said.

The program also includes an educational facility near the zoo's hippo enclosure, where visitors can learn about plastic bottle collection and recycling through interactive displays, illustrations, and recycling counters.

The initiative reflects efforts by beverage companies to address packaging waste by encouraging consumers to participate in collection and recycling, a process that depends on cooperation across the supply chain.

For Coca-Cola, the project brings together several partners, including Swire Coca-Cola, its bottling partner, and One Foundation, which supports public education and awareness activities.

Local recycling companies and frontline workers handle collection and operational support, while young designers contribute ideas for incorporating recycled materials into public facilities.

Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo provides a setting where the company can connect recycling activities with environmental education and everyday consumer behavior.

Shen Zhijun, director of the zoo, said the collaboration aims to help visitors understand the connection between daily habits and environmental protection.

"Every bottle recycled and every act of proper sorting is part of everyday efforts to protect the environment," Shen said.

Coca-Cola China said it plans to work with partners to expand the initiative into more communities and public spaces, although it did not disclose specific locations, investment amounts, or expansion targets.

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn