Coca-Cola Launches Tapon to Ipon Program to Encourage Plastic Bottle Recycling at Festivals

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) is doing its part to help the environment by encouraging the collection and recycling of plastic bottles through its Tapon to Ipon program. During the recent Sinulog and Dinagyang Festivals in Cebu and Iloilo, the company activated pop-up booths where festival-goers could drop off their used, clear PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles and receive incentives in return. The company collected over 400 kg of post-consumer clear PET plastic bottles. The program accepts bottles from any brand as long as they are clear.

CCBPI’s Tapon to Ipon program is part of the company’s global World Without Waste commitment to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can they sell by 2030. The collected bottles are processed at PETValue Philippines, a joint venture between CCBPI and Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemicals company. The recycling facility uses the safest and most advanced bottle-to-bottle recycling technology, giving new life to plastic bottles.

Gareth McGeown, CEO and President of CCBPI, says, “We maximize every opportunity to bring Tapon to Ipon to more communities across the Philippines. As our consumers enjoy our refreshing beverages and celebrate with their family and friends, we make it possible for them to return their used plastic bottles for recycling.”

By integrating Tapon to Ipon into their selling activities and partnering with government and private organizations, CCBPI is strengthening a circular economy for recyclable plastic bottles and working toward a world without waste.

The company also highlights the value of clear PET plastic bottles through the Tapon to Ipon program, as participants receive Coca-Cola products for every fifteen used bottles they drop off. McGeown adds, “The support of festival-goers, community members, and our partners are at the core of this program as we continue to strengthen a fully circular economy for our packaging.”

Coca-Cola’s Tapon to Ipon program is a great example of how companies can use their resources to encourage environmentally-friendly behavior and support a more sustainable future.