Coca-Cola launches packaging collection hub to tackle waste in Nigeria 

NIGERIA – The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its authorized bottler, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), has unveiled a new packaging collection hub in Lagos to address waste management challenges. 

Speaking at the inauguration, Coca-Cola CEO Zoran Bogdanovic emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the facility aims to reduce waste by collecting and recycling packaging materials across Nigeria. 

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the hub is a significant addition to the country’s plastics recycling infrastructure, with the capacity to process up to 13,000 metric tonnes of plastic bottles annually.

Bogdanovic highlighted that this investment would create jobs, support local communities, and reinforce Coca-Cola’s global sustainability goals. 

“This initiative aligns with our ambition to reduce packaging waste and emissions by increasing the use of recycled materials,” he said, adding that Coca-Cola aims to incorporate 35–40% recycled content in plastic, glass, and aluminum packaging while raising recycled plastic use to 35% globally.

Luisa Ortega, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit, noted that the company has been integral to Nigerian communities for nearly 75 years.

She emphasized Coca-Cola’s commitment to enhancing collection and recycling efforts through local and global partnerships.

“In addition to driving sustainability within the Coca-Cola System, this hub will serve as a key solution for plastic waste management,” Ortega stated.

“It will facilitate PET collection, process materials into clean PET bales, and support recycled polyethylene (rPET) production through third-party partnerships.”

The project has also garnered government support. Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole described the hub as a major step toward sustainability, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.

She praised Coca-Cola’s investment as aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a self-sustaining and prosperous Nigeria.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Special Adviser on Circular Economy Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, commended NBC for prioritizing sustainability beyond profit-making.

He noted that the facility would play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution by serving as a central collection, sorting, and recycling hub.

Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, lauded the initiative as a transformative move for Nigeria’s industrial sector, emphasizing its potential to drive long-term environmental and economic benefits.

With this initiative, Coca-Cola aims to scale the model and drive collective action toward a cleaner, more sustainable future in Nigeria.

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