Recycling in the Dominican Republic: The Coca-Cola System strengthens partnerships to promote container recovery
Proper solid waste management continues to be one of the main environmental challenges in the Dominican Republic. Faced with this scenario, the Coca-Cola System, made up of The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partner Bepensa Dominicana, is developing actions aimed at strengthening the collection and recovery of containers, working in coordination with different actors in society.
These initiatives focus on improving recycling infrastructure, promoting the recovery of materials such as PET plastic, and creating opportunities within the country's recycling chain.
Partnerships that strengthen recycling infrastructure
The Coca-Cola System promotes a collaborative model that involves social organizations, recyclers, private companies, and public entities. Through this joint effort, the aim is to strengthen post-consumer packaging collection and recovery systems, contributing to the strengthening of recycling infrastructure in the Dominican Republic.
The company emphasizes that these actions are part of a vision of responsible growth, in which business development is linked to caring for the environment and the well-being of the communities where it operates.
Lidia Castro, Director of Corporate Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for Coca-Cola Caribbean, has pointed out that promoting actions that protect the environment and generate a positive impact on communities is an essential part of the organization's purpose.
For his part, Juan Amell, Director of Corporate Affairs at Bepensa Dominicana, emphasized that collaboration with partners who contribute technical expertise and proximity to communities is essential for consolidating sustainable recycling efforts over time.
Allies for Recycling: recovery of post-consumer packaging
One of the core programs within this strategy is "Aliados por el Reciclaje" (Allies for Recycling), developed in conjunction with organizations such as NUVI, Recolectiva, Ecored, Scrapmen Recycling Group, Pure Eco Polymers, and Grupo Ramos.
This initiative coordinates efforts to improve the recovery of post-consumer packaging, with a special focus on PET plastic bottles. Strengthening these processes facilitates their collection, processing, and reincorporation into the production cycle, always in coordination with local systems and partners.
The focus on PET is due to the fact that it is a recyclable material that is highly valued within the recycling chain, which allows for its use to be maximized when adequate recovery mechanisms are in place.
Mares Circulares: raising awareness and cleaning up coastlines
In addition to efforts focused on infrastructure and material recovery, the Coca-Cola System promotes environmental awareness actions that directly involve communities and volunteers.
Among these initiatives is "Mares Circulares" (Circular Seas), an annual beach cleanup day held as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day. This activity seeks to raise awareness about proper waste disposal and promote the protection of coastal ecosystems in the Dominican Republic.
Through these types of activities, active citizen participation in caring for the environment is encouraged.
Environmental education and responsible consumption
Environmental education is another important component of the Coca-Cola System's approach. In this context, the partnership with the Vida Circular platform allows us to broaden the reach of messages related to recycling and waste recovery.
Through clear and accessible information, the adoption of more responsible consumption habits is promoted among the Dominican population, highlighting the importance of recognizing the value of recyclable materials.
Pedro Arias, Operations Manager at ALPLA Central America and the Caribbean, emphasized that environmental education is a key element in driving sustainable change and motivating people to learn about and take action to protect the environment.
Packaging strategy and prioritization of PET
As part of its packaging strategy, the Coca-Cola System prioritizes the use of PET bottles, a recyclable material that facilitates its integration into the recycling chain.
As it is a highly valued material, its collection and processing can be strengthened when there are collaboration schemes with local partners and adequate recovery systems. This strategy is aligned with the goal of reducing packaging waste and progressively moving towards more sustainable practices.
Ongoing commitment to recycling in the Dominican Republic
Through programs such as Aliados por el Reciclaje (Partners for Recycling), awareness campaigns such as Mares Circulares (Circular Seas), and partnerships with environmental education platforms such as Vida Circular (Circular Life), the Coca-Cola System reaffirms its commitment to strengthening recycling in the Dominican Republic.
Engaging with strategic partners, communities, and different sectors allows us to make progress in improving collection infrastructure and consolidating practices that contribute to the country's sustainable development.
These actions reflect a multisectoral collaborative approach that seeks to generate positive environmental and social impacts, integrating business growth with responsibility towards the environment and communities.
