(From left) American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM Malaysia) chief executive officer Siobhan Das,The Coca-Cola Company (ASEAN and South Pacific) sustainability and partnerships director Kirsten van Zandwijk, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) public affairs, communications and sustainability director Khairul Anwar Ab. Gahani and Malaysia Recycling Alliances (MAREA) chief executive officer Roberto Benetello officiated and served as the keynote speakers for Coca-Cola's AMCHAM Spotlight Session titled "Our Future, Our Choice – Sustainability Forum."
KUALA LUMPUR: Coca-Cola Malaysia, in association with the American Malaysian Chamber Of Commerce (AMCHAM Malaysia), hosted a special AMCHAM Spotlight Session titled "Our Future, Our Choice – Sustainability Forum."
The forum focused on accelerating the transition to circularity for plastic packaging in Malaysia.
The event was honoured by the presence of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad.
It also received significant backing from the key partner, the Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA). This collaboration underlines a shared commitment towards environmental sustainability.
‘Our shift towards a circular economy is not just a policy initiative; it's a systemic move towards resilience, sustainability, and a brighter future,’ said Nik Nazmi.
"Our shift towards a circular economy is not just a policy initiative; it's a systemic move towards resilience, sustainability, and a brighter future,” said Nik Nazmi.
“Our commitment, as reflected in our national policies, signifies our determination to efficiently use resources, reduce waste, and minimise environmental impact.
“It's a shared responsibility, and initiatives like Coca-Cola's dedication to innovative packaging solutions play a vital role in supporting our journey towards a circular economy.”
While plastic has become an integral part of modern society, the proportion of plastic waste not properly managed in Malaysia is a cause for concern. With data showing that just 24% of plastics introduced into the Malaysian market were recycled in 2019, Coca-Cola Malaysia acknowledges the pressing need to tackle the issue of plastic waste.
"At Coca-Cola, we recognise the urgency and complexity of the plastic waste challenge in Malaysia,” said The Coca-Cola Company (ASEAN and South Pacific) sustainability and partnerships director Kirsten van Zandwijk.
“No single entity can overcome this challenge alone. Inspired by the circular economy model, we constantly leverage resources to eliminate waste and tackle climate problems caused by packaging.
“Our 'World Without Waste' initiative embodies this dedication, driving global sustainable packaging efforts aiming for recyclability and a sustainable environment.”
Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) public affairs, communications and sustainability director Khairul Anwar Ab. Gahani concurred that collaboration and a circular economy are vital to Coca-Cola's commitment.
All their packaging, including cans and PET bottles, is fully recyclable. “Utilising recyclable materials in our packaging is another step towards reducing environmental footprint, " he said.
Coca-Cola Malaysia actively works with various NGOs, such as the Malaysian Nature Society and Waste Management Association of Malaysia to promote responsible waste management and recycling.
They also collaborate with esteemed organisations like SWM Environment Sdn Bhd, Muslim Aid, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, MareCet Malaysia, Global Environment Centre, Reef Check, The Ocean Cleanup, and selected universities.
In his address at the event, MAREA chief executive officer Roberto Benetello emphasised the organisation's commitment to driving positive change.
He stated, "MAREA, a coalition of prominent industry leaders actively participating in voluntary Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives, is dedicated to taking tangible steps to boost recycling rates and minimise packaging leakage into the environment.
“Our members have made substantial commitments to ensure a significant portion of their packaging materials are recovered and recycled.
“They are eager to embrace secondary raw materials like rPET and strive to make these materials accessible at equitable prices. MAREA is poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating this transition."
As a founding member of MAREA, Coca-Cola Malaysia attaches high importance to establishing strong collaborations with stakeholders, government bodies, industry colleagues, and local organisations.
"We're deeply committed to leading strategic alliances with key parties. Collaboratively, we're paving the way in collection and recycling of packaging to support the progression of a circular economy within Malaysia," van Zandwijk added.
For more information about Coca-Cola Malaysia sustainability initiatives and future announcements, visit Coca-Cola Malaysia's Website.
