BOTSWANA – Coca-Cola Beverages Botswana (CCBB), a unit of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), has launched a new state-of-the-art production line and water treatment plant to significantly increase the factory’s production capacity.
CCBB invested P310 million (US$24.4m) in the project, which makes it fully compliant to ensure that clean water is returned to the environment and boosting production.
CCBA said the new production line is the most advanced polyethylene phthalate (PET) production line in the country, with a capacity of 13,500 bottles per hour and equipped with the latest industry technology.
CCBB MD David Chait pointed out that the company would be partnering with the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources to provide it with clean water as well.
In a water-scarce country such as Botswana, Chait explained that CCBB needs to use water as efficiently as possible and its investment in this water treatment plant, ensures the water going back into the environment is clean.
The installation of the new PET line allows for faster and more efficient production of PET products, increasing productivity, while also producing bottles with higher clarity and strength, CCBB said.
The new line is designed with more sustainability features including more energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact and energy costs, and incorporating improved safety features.
“This investment is a clear demonstration of our continued belief in the future of Botswana and a signal of our confidence in Botswana as an investment destination,” said Minister of Trade and Industry, Mmusi Kgafela, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) CEO, Jacques Vermeulen.
“Coca-Cola and CCBA have built a very strong local business in Botswana over more than 25 years. As we grow our business, we create shared opportunities for communities and employees. We are proud to work with small businesses throughout the country to serve the people of Botswana who choose to enjoy our products each day. “
Data from Statista projects Botswana’s revenue in the soft drinks segment to amount to US$156.70m in 2023 and grow annually by 7.65% (CAGR 2023-2027).
Vermeulen stated that CCBA hires locally, manufactures, and distributes its products locally, and is increasingly sourcing locally.
“We already source plastic preforms locally and will also be sourcing shrink wrap and closures for our products locally,” he noted.
According to Vice President of Coca-Cola East & Central Africa, Debra Mallowah, Coca-Cola, believes in Africa’s strong potential as the next growth engine of the global economy.
Coca-Cola owes the continent’s dynamic growth to a growing and rapidly urbanizing population who are brand conscious, economically active, highly connected, and innovative.
Statista also forecasts that revenue in Africa’s soft drinks segment to amount to US$69.96bn in 2023 and is expected to grow annually by 11.13% (CAGR 2023-2027).
Recently, CCBA in Kenya also opened its new wastewater treatment plant at its Equator Bottlers Ltd plant in Kisumu, which will promote sustainable water use and help reduce the factory’s environmental impact.
The state-of-the-art facility is part of CCBA’s commitment to use water as respectfully and efficiently as possible and increase water security for communities.
By implementing these initiatives, CCBA is taking a significant step toward the goal of replenishing 100% of the water used in production.
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