Coca-Cola Kickstarts Its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Journey with Plastic-Free Gilgit-Baltistan Program

Coca-Cola Pakistan and the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan have embarked on a transformative initiative known as the Plastic-Free Gilgit-Baltistan Program. This two-year collaboration, bolstered by an investment exceeding PKR 30 million, aims to mitigate plastic waste in the region. Key facets of the partnership include the establishment of crushing and baling facilities for PET plastic bottles in Shigar and Ghizer Districts. These facilities will significantly enhance local recycling infrastructure.

In a landmark moment, the inaugural crushing and baling facility was launched in Shigar City, strategically positioned at the base of the Karakoram Mountain range near K-2. This facility is pivotal in addressing waste management challenges exacerbated by tourism, a vital economic driver for Gilgit-Baltistan. The region’s officials, including Capt. (R.) Mushtaq Ahmad, the Additional Chief Secretary, expressed gratitude for Coca-Cola’s support in promoting responsible waste disposal practices among local businesses and communities.

Dr. Faisal Hashmi, Director of Public Affairs & Stakeholder Management for Coca-Cola Pakistan & Afghanistan, highlighted the program’s alignment with the company’s global sustainability goals, particularly its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives. Coca-Cola’s commitment to using 100% recycled plastic (rPET) packaging and its ambitious targets for recyclable packaging by 2025 underscore its leadership in sustainable business practices.

Moreover, Coca-Cola’s efforts extend beyond Gilgit-Baltistan; they include pioneering projects like Pakistan’s first plastic road in Islamabad, constructed with ten tonnes of recycled plastic bottles. This initiative serves as a blueprint for nationwide efforts to combat plastic waste and promote innovative recycling solutions.

Looking ahead, this partnership not only aims to safeguard Gilgit-Baltistan’s natural beauty but also seeks to bolster its tourism sector, which contributes significantly to Pakistan’s GDP and job creation. With projections indicating substantial growth in tourism revenue by 2033, initiatives like the Plastic-Free Gilgit-Baltistan Program are poised to make a lasting impact on both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity in the region.

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