The power of partnerships to drive business sustainability
At the Coca-Cola System, we are convinced that major environmental and social challenges can only be addressed collectively. Partnerships are much more than signing agreements or having a photograph taken: they represent a genuine commitment to join forces, knowledge and resources to build solutions that create real change.
For us, a true alliance means joining forces. Facing challenges such as climate change, access to water or waste management requires the participation of all stakeholders: companies, the public sector, social organizations, academia and communities. Only in this way can we give back to the planet more of what we take and create something new together.
Allies for Recycling: strengthening the value chain
Allies for Recycling is an initiative that seeks to strengthen the recycling chain and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. We work hand in hand with NUVI, Scrapmen, Recolectiva, Puntos R and Pure Eco to raise public awareness, improve infrastructure and support grassroots recyclers.
Our commitment is ambitious but necessary: to ensure that 35% to 40% of our packaging is made from recycled material and to collect at least 70% of the equivalent of what we put on the market by 2035. These objectives can only be achieved by building solid multi-sector alliances that integrate all links in the chain.
Allies for Water: protecting a vital resource
Another initiative that exemplifies the power of collaboration is Aliados por el Agua, which is being developed together with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, the Santo Domingo Water Fund, the Yaque del Norte Fund and the CAASD.
Since 2015, the Coca-Cola System has returned more than 100% of the water used in finished products globally, and we continue to make progress. Our goal is to reach 100% replenishment in all our operations with high water risk by 2035. This work includes protecting micro-watersheds such as Mahomita and Haina-Duey, restoring ecosystems, and improving access to water in communities.
Structural changes beyond numbers
When we talk about corporate sustainability, it is easy to focus on numbers: tons of waste recovered, liters of water returned, trees planted. But what is more transformative is what happens at the societal level.
Partnerships have allowed us to dignify the work of hundreds of waste pickers by offering them better working conditions, access to training, better equipment and greater income opportunities.
They have also broken down barriers between sectors. Today we see companies, NGOs, local governments and communities designing and implementing solutions together. Such learning and trust-building are structural changes that last beyond the projects.
Challenges and opportunities in alliances
Forming multi-sector partnerships is not without its challenges. Each organization comes with its own language, priorities and timing. The challenge is to build something new from these differences.
The key is to identify a common purpose that mobilizes everyone. Coordinate agendas, align processes and understand how decisions are made in each organization, but before seeing an obstacle, detect an opportunity so that these differences become learning opportunities.
Successful alliances are not those that avoid problems, but those that know how to solve them together. This ability to overcome challenges is what strengthens bonds and becomes part of collective growth.
Elements for effective collaboration
With the passage of time and based on our learning, we have detected that a lasting alliance is built on three pillars:
- Trust: Deliver what is promised and maintain spaces for transparent dialogue.
- Clarity: Define common objectives and roles from the beginning to avoid individual agendas.
- Governance: Understanding the role of each participant, how decisions are made and how disagreements are resolved.
The future in alliances for the Coca-Cola System
More and more organizations understand that sustainability is not optional; it is a necessity. This change in mindset opens up new opportunities to continue building powerful and transformative partnerships.
From the Coca-Cola System we will continue to commit to co-create, to join forces with those who share the vision of a more sustainable world. Because the true power of change lies in what we achieve together.
