NIGERIA – Nestlé Nigeria Plc has reiterated its commitment in addressing plastic packaging pollution in the country through engaging in various environmental conservation initiatives.
Speaking while commemorating this year’s World Oceans Day in Nigeria, the food and beverage company said that this will also support the company’s ambition of making 100 per cent of its packaging recyclable or re-usable by 2025.
The World Ocean Day is an annual commemoration providing an opportunity to educate consumers on the issues relating to the ocean, and encourage them to take action to protect and conserve the ocean.
During this year’s edition, Nestle Nigeria had collaborated with RecyclePoints, a non-governmental organisation, in plastic packaging waste collection and public education on plastic waste management.
The company said that the participants worked together to pick up plastic and other wastes found at the beachfront, ensuring proper segregation, weighing and baling of collected materials for proper management, reports News Agency of Nigeria.
Speaking on the significance of the cleanup activity, the Managing Director and chief executive officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Mr Mauricio Alarcon noted that plastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing issues.
“Through clean up initiatives and other activities, Nestlé aims to play an active role in changing behaviour and raising public awareness about reducing plastic waste and recycling more.
“This is part of the company’s broader vision to achieve a waste-free future. Nestlé is committed to leading lasting and impactful change, and we know that there is no better place to start than from within our own company.
“We are passionate about protecting the environment where we work and take action to improve it… in line with our commitment to safeguard the environment.” he said.
Across its operating environments worldwide, Nestlé employees at all levels observed the day by dedicating their volunteering hours to clean-up activities.
“Responding to the plastic waste challenge and striving for zero environmental impact in its operations is an integral part of Nestlé’s commitment to creating shared value for shareholders and society.
“In April 2018, the company had announced its ambition to make 100 per cent of its packaging recyclable or re-usable by 2025.
“Its vision is that none of its packaging, including plastics, ends up in landfill or as litter,” the company said in a statement.
“Nestlé believes that there is an urgent need to minimise the impact of packaging on the environment and continues to collaborate with external and industry partners to play an active role in the development of well-functioning collection, sorting and recycling schemes across the countries where it operates.
“In Nigeria, the company works alongside other partners in the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to find creative solutions to managing plastic waste while preventing leakage into the ocean.”