Toronto Zoo partners to expand reusable program

CANADA – Toronto Zoo has unveiled an ambitious expansion of its reusable packaging initiative, aiming to curb the environmental footprint of its 1.3 million annual visitors. 

The program, a collaborative effort with Coca-Cola, Compass Group Canada, and Friendlier, a reusable packaging innovator, seeks to reduce single-use waste across the zoo’s dining operations significantly.

According to Kayli Smith, CEO of Friendlier, the initiative aims to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers and organisations.

“This partnership with Toronto Zoo, Coca-Cola, and Compass Group Canada is a strategic leap toward measurable impact in reducing single-use waste,” he noted.

The program has already facilitated the reuse of over 15,000 containers this year, with guests now able to enjoy Coca-Cola beverages in reusable cups at key dining locations, including Africa Restaurant, Simba Safari Lodge, and Caribou Café.

Visitors can participate by paying a US$0.50 deposit for reusable containers, which can be reclaimed via Friendlier’s mobile app or donated to support Toronto Zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts. 

Used containers are collected in designated blue bins, professionally sanitized, and recirculated, with each container designed for up to 100 uses before recycling. 

This circular system aligns with the zoo’s broader sustainability goals, as articulated by CEO Dolf DeJong: 

“Our vision is a world where people, wildlife, and wild spaces thrive. Through this collaboration, we’re proud to offer guests a simple, impactful way to reduce waste while supporting conservation.”

Jennifer Lambert, director of sustainability at Compass Group Canada, echoed this commitment, noting, “Expanding this reusable packaging program demonstrates our collective dedication to environmental stewardship.” 

The initiative is projected to divert over 120,000 cups from landfills annually, based on prior sales data, reinforcing the zoo’s pursuit of its TZNet0 commitment to achieve 100% waste diversion by 2027.

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