The Coca-Cola Malaysia is taking a significant step toward circularity in plastic packaging with the nationwide launch of Coca-Cola® Original Taste and Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar 500ml bottles made from 100% recycled plastic bottles (excluding caps and labels). 

Coca-Cola currently offers at least one brand made from 100% recycled plastic bottles in over 40 countries worldwide, including Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and now Malaysia. 

The 100% recycled PET plastic bottles maintain the high-quality consumers expect, adhering to The Coca-Cola Company's stringent global standards for food-grade, 100% recycled plastic bottle packaging. Additionally, they are Halal-Certified by the Halal Inspection Body recognized by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). 

Kirsten van Zandwijk, Sustainability & Partnerships Director, ASEAN & South Pacific, The Coca-Cola Company stated, "Recognizing the urgency and complexity of the plastic waste challenge in Malaysia, we acknowledge the collaborative efforts needed to address this issue. In line with our commitment to building a circular economy in the country, we are introducing innovative packaging designs like our new 100% recycled plastic bottles. These bottles align with our brand philosophy of 'Dari Botol Jadi Botol,' emphasizing that every bottle has a second life. We are also expanding collection and recycling programs and deepening stakeholder and industry partnerships. Leveraging the Coca-Cola brand's influence and reach, we actively engage Malaysian consumers in recycling initiatives, encouraging them to embrace the concept that every bottle can transform and contribute to a sustainable future.

This initiative aligns with The Coca-Cola Company’s global sustainable packaging strategy, aiming to use at least 50% recycled content in its packaging by 2030 globally. 

“The launch of 100% recycled plastic bottles in Malaysia underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Recognizing the critical role businesses play in fostering positive change, we remain dedicated to supporting and boosting the collection of post-consumer packaging. Our goal is to continue utilizing recycled materials, contributing significantly to Malaysia's environmental objectives. By actively engaging in sustainable practices and promoting the circular economy, we strive to make enduring contributions towards a more sustainable future,” notes Khairul Anwar Ab. Gahani, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Director, Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia.

Together with its bottling arms, Coca-Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Coca-Cola is driving innovations in packaging and enhancing collection recycling capacity in Malaysia. The 100% recycled plastic bottles undergo local processing and manufacturing in the Coca-Cola bottling plant at Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, proudly symbolizing their Malaysian origin. This commitment echoes Coca-Cola’s dedication to sustainability, reflecting that these bottles are "made in Malaysia, by Malaysians, for Malaysians." The bottles prominently feature the slogan "Dari Botol Jadi Botol," signifying the transformative journey each bottle takes.

COCA-COLA MALAYSIA ‘RECYCLE ME!’ CAMPAIGN 

Prior to the launch of the 100% rPET Bottles, Coca-Cola Malaysia once again initiated its 'Recycle Me' Campaign for the second consecutive year, aiming to raise awareness and drive action regarding the importance of plastic segregation and recycling. 

The sustainability initiative, in collaboration with AEON Malaysia, Hiroyuki Industries, and Trash4Cash, intends to promote public awareness around the value of recycling. 

Consumers are encouraged to collect PET bottles in exchange for cash rewards based on their contributions. For every 10 bottles deposited, participants are eligible for a RM0.10 Trash4Cash buy-back incentive, complemented by Coca-Cola products. Consumers can now scan the QR code on the Smart Recycle Bin to provide their details, facilitating a seamless and efficient experience for all participants. 

This year, Coca-Cola Malaysia and its partners are expanding their efforts to 15 AEON malls across five states – Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor. Collected bottles are then transported to the leading recycler, Hiroyuki Industries, where they undergo a process to be transformed into another bottle at a later stage. 

For more information about sustainability initiatives and future announcements from Coca-Cola Malaysia, please visit its Facebook and Instagram pages, or check out the Coca-Cola Malaysia Website.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.