The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its authorized bottler, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Packaging Collection Hub in Apapa, Lagos.
The facility, a major milestone in Nigeria’s plastics recycling infrastructure, has the capacity to process up to 13,000 metric tonnes (MT) of plastic bottles annually.
The newly launched hub aims to support the Coca-Cola System’s sustainability initiatives by serving as a comprehensive solution for plastic waste management.
It will facilitate PET bottle collection, process materials into clean PET bales, and enable the production of recycled PET (rPET) through third-party partnerships, contributing to cleaner communities and reducing packaging waste. The initiative is part of the System’s long-term vision to scale sustainable recycling solutions across the country.
The investment aligns with Coca-Cola’s global sustainability goals, which include using 35% to 40% recycled material in primary packaging, increasing the use of recycled plastic to 30% to 35% globally, and ensuring the collection of 70% to 75% of bottles and cans introduced into the market by 2035.
Over the past decade, the Coca-Cola System has injected more than $1.5 billion into Nigeria’s economic value chain, fostering economic growth and sustainability efforts. The System recently announced plans to more than double its investment rate, committing $1 billion over the next five years to further expand its sustainability initiatives and recycling infrastructure.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Special Adviser on Circular Economy Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, described the facility as a “symbol of progress and a tangible demonstration of corporate social responsibility needed in Lagos.” He commended NBC’s commitment to environmental sustainability beyond business profitability.
“This hub will serve as a critical center for collecting, sorting, and recycling PET plastics, significantly reducing plastic pollution in our environment,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, hailed the launch as a landmark step towards economic growth and environmental sustainability. She praised the Coca-Cola System’s dedication to Nigeria’s economy and ecological well-being, aligning with the administration’s broader vision for national self-sufficiency and sustainability.
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Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, emphasized the significance of the investment in Nigeria’s waste management efforts.
“This facility represents a significant milestone in our journey to reduce waste by collecting and recycling our packaging in Nigeria. By investing in this hub, we are supporting local communities, creating jobs, and demonstrating our commitment to building a more sustainable future in a country integral to our business success,” he said.
Luisa Ortega, President of Coca-Cola’s Africa Operating Unit, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria.
“For nearly 75 years, the Coca-Cola System has been part of Nigerian communities. Through collaboration with local and global partners, we will continue to expand design innovations, improve collection models, invest in local infrastructure, and engage with communities to create a better shared future,” Ortega stated.
Senator John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, commended the project as a bold step that will redefine Nigeria’s industrial landscape by integrating sustainability into manufacturing.
“This hub marks an important moment in our national industrial journey, demonstrating what happens when industries go beyond profit to embrace environmental responsibility while creating jobs,” he noted
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