Coca-Cola, Dumaguete partner on PET bottle recycling

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) has partnered with the City of Dumaguete to boost local plastic waste recycling efforts through its “Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo” program.

The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement, was signed by CCBPI and Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, and includes the turnover of a baling machine to aid the city’s waste management initiatives.

The year-long partnership aims to collect and recycle clear PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles from the city, regardless of brand.

CCBPI’s efforts align with Dumaguete’s push for sustainable waste management, allowing post-consumer bottles to be recycled into new food-grade recycled PET (rPET) bottles.

“We thank Mayor Remollo for this opportunity to integrate our Tapon to Ipon program into the city’s environmental efforts. We look forward to our continued partnership with the City of Dumaguete as we underscore our shared commitment to sustainable waste management and take strides toward creating a fully circular economy,” said Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, vice president for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs of CCBPI.

Collected PET bottles will be sent to PETValue Philippines, a cutting-edge recycling facility and joint venture between CCBPI and Indorama Ventures, a global chemical company focused on sustainability.

PETValue’s role in turning used plastic bottles into food-grade rPET bottles helps the country reduce its plastic waste footprint.

Through this initiative, Coca-Cola and Dumaguete aim to demonstrate the power of partnerships in addressing local waste challenges.

CCBPI hopes to inspire other organizations to support such efforts and contribute to broader waste management solutions in the Philippines.

The collaboration emphasizes the importance of collective action in the country’s move toward a circular economy—where materials are reused and recycled to minimize waste.