Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. (CCBSL) has partnered with Port City Colombo to roll out its pioneering “Adopt a Bin” program — the first initiative of its kind in Sri Lanka — setting a new benchmark for corporate involvement in PET plastic waste management.
Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka’s first foreign-currency designated Special Economic Zone and master-planned city development, reinforces its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility by becoming a key partner in enhancing the circularity of PET plastic waste management. As part of this partnership, Port City Colombo will install multiple PET collection bins across its premises, including the Marina Promenade and the public beach, with the aim of encouraging local visitors and international tourists who patronize the project’s leisure activities, to dispose of PET plastic responsibly.
CCBSL initiated its PET plastic collection and recycling initiative, “Give Back Life”, a decade ago. Originally launched as a local program, the initiative was created to strengthen and contribute to Coca-Cola’s global vision on packaging. Through this initiative, CCBSL promotes sustainable waste management and recycling, contributing to driving progress towards a cleaner future.
Within the framework of this partnership, each bin will be managed by designated personnel who will oversee collection of the waste and coordinate with certified recycling partners. All PET plastic collected through the program will be sent to certified recycling facilities, where it will be transformed into value-added products such as broom and brush bristles, as well as yarn for garments. These recycled materials will be exported to over 15 countries, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic value creation. The entire process will be carefully monitored and documented to ensure complete transparency and accountability.
Launched by CCBSL, the “Adopt a Bin” program is designed to promote responsible PET plastic disposal and recycling within office premises and surrounding areas. It fosters a culture of PET disposal and responsible waste management among employees, setting an example of environmental stewardship. Through strategic partnerships, the initiative underscores the vital role that corporations play in advancing the growing challenge of waste management.
The program encourages corporate employees and other stakeholders to adopt sustainable waste disposal practices by utilizing dedicated “Give Back Life” bins placed within office spaces and, where necessary, in adjacent public areas. Employees are encouraged to bring PET plastic waste from home to ensure it is recycled through proper channels.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Pradip Pandey, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, noted “Our partnership with Port City is a significant step forward in our sustainability journey. Port City is an important project for driving business and investment growth in Sri Lanka, helping the country advance economically. Through initiatives like “Give Back Life”, we are committed to collaborating on programs that contribute to the circular economy and promote environmental stewardship. At CCBSL, we are not just bottling beverages — we are bottling purpose, care, and a vision for a more sustainable tomorrow.”
‘We are pleased to partner with Coca-Cola Sri Lanka on a truly impactful initiative that enhances the PET circular economy — from responsible plastic waste collection to high-value recycling,” said Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. “This collaboration reflects Port City Colombo’s core commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By installing PET collection bins across our public spaces — including the Marina Promenade and beach — we hope to promote a culture of responsible waste disposal and PET waste management. With over 91 hectares of public space, we are proud to support a movement that contributes to well-being, environmental stewardship, and a cleaner future for Sri Lanka.’
This initiative is an extension of CCBSL’s flagship Give Back Life (GBL) which aims to “collect and recycle a bottle or can for everyone its sells by 2035”. To date GBL has established 650+ PET plastic collection points including 21 large scale huts that can collect approximately 5000kg of PET, 28 collection centers, 11 Material Recovery Facilities and has adopted 8 beaches and waterways that are cleaned on a daily basis as a part of their ‘Adopt A Beach’ program.
The Adopt a Bin program is expected to be further expanded to other like-minded organizations across Sri Lanka, reinforcing Coca-Cola’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.