Luanda, January 24, 2023 – Coca-Cola, Refriango, Associação Nação Verde, and Pumangol formalized today in Luanda the protocol for the “O Ecoponto” project. This initiative aims to install, in its first phase, eight strategically placed recycling points in the Angolan capital, laying the groundwork for increased recycling of plastics, cans, glass, and cardboard across the country.
A Collaborative Effort for Environmental Sustainability
The protocol, signed by Coca-Cola and Refriango alongside Associação Nação Verde and Pumangol, marks the beginning of a project designed to enhance solid waste recycling in Angola. Developed under the Jamii platform and the World Without Waste initiative, “O Ecoponto” focuses on the placement of recycling points at strategic locations, such as fuel stations, allowing consumers to easily dispose of PET plastic bottles, cans, cardboard, and glass for recycling.
The program also seeks to raise awareness about the environmental, economic, and social importance of recycling through a communication campaign broadcast on radio stations at fuel stations.
Responsibilities of the Partners
The protocol outlines the support of all involved parties for awareness activities led by Associação Nação Verde, which will oversee the collection and transportation of waste from the recycling points to a recycling facility.
Paula Lima, Coca-Cola’s Senior Manager, highlighted, “The recycling points will improve Luanda’s waste collection system and foster broader discussions on proper waste management systems and policies. This project is a response to the positive environmental transformation that Angola and the world urgently need.”
Meanwhile, Tânia Jardim, Marketing Administrator at Refriango, emphasized, “This initiative operates on two levels. On one hand, the communication campaign aims to build recycling awareness within the community and for future generations, spreading messages about the new lives and uses that recycled materials can have. On the other hand, it addresses our responsibility as a bottler to recover part of the packaging materials we put on the market, thereby reducing our environmental footprint. By the end of 2023, we aim to collect over 5,000 tons of solid waste through the initiatives we are implementing.”
A Revolutionary Step Towards Circular Economy
According to Nuno Cruz, representative of Associação Nação Verde, the project will play a key role in promoting reverse logistics and a circular economy. “The installation of recycling points in strategic areas of Luanda, as a first step, will revolutionize how we perceive solid waste. Educating society on the need for proper waste management will open doors for transforming these materials into valuable resources.”
A Global Commitment
“O Ecoponto” is supported by the National Waste Agency and aligns with Coca-Cola’s global World Without Waste program, which aims to recycle every bottle or can it sells and use 50% recycled materials in its packaging by 2030.
Ivanilson Machado of Pumangol noted, “This project reflects a growing awareness of environmental responsibility and waste management while continuing our commitment to previous environmental awareness and recycling initiatives. It underscores the environment as a cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility strategy.”
About JAMII – The Voice of Sustainability
Launched in January, the JAMII platform unites Coca-Cola’s sustainability initiatives, both existing and new, across several countries. Built on three pillars—water management, economic empowerment of women and youth, and waste management—it represents Coca-Cola’s commitment to collecting and recycling all packaging it introduces to the market by 2030.
