Non-Alcoholic Beverages Industry Celebrates Landmark Bottle to Bottle Recycling Facility
FRIDAY, 11 MARCH 2022, SYDNEY: The Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) is excited to have been present at the opening of the state-of-the-art PET recycling facility unveiled in Albury, NSW by Circular Plastics Australia. A joint venture between Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Asahi Beverages, Pact Group Holdings Ltd and Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd, this facility has the capacity to process a staggering one billion PET bottles per year for reprocessing into new recycled bottles containing Australia’s favourite drinks. The ABCL welcomes this facility not only for its implications for Australia’s circular economy, but also for the growth of green jobs throughout the nation.
“As the peak body representing the non-alcoholic beverages industry nationally, the ABCL was delighted to witness the opening of what is an industry leading collaboration in the circular economy space. Our industry has worked tirelessly to be on the front foot of sustainability by increasing recycling infrastructure, supporting innovation and encouraging consumers to dispose of their containers responsibly. Following our members’ participation in Australia’s pre-eminent producer responsibility framework through container deposit schemes (CDS), it’s only natural that we as an industry progress to recovery and reprocessing of the materials that hold our favourite drinks.” said ABCL CEO Geoff Parker.
“We further thank the Federal and NSW governments for their continuous support of this project and for recognising our industry’s ability to be at the forefront of the ‘Remade in Australia’ movement. With the unveiling of this facility, Australians can be sure that the products they buy are used, disposed of, and remade at home to continue the cycle within a strong domestic circular economy. As the first FMCG industry in Australia to take ownership of reprocessing their materials, we welcome the opportunity for other industries to join us, both in this venture and by joining CDS”.
The ABCL participates in a wide range of sustainability initiatives including assisting states establish container deposit schemes, working on a number of national and international consultation groups, and assisting members achieve their sustainability goals. We are a proud member of APCO and a signatory to the ANZPAC Plastics Pact.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Cathy Cook, Head of Corporate Affairs, 0406 399 211, cathy@ausbev.org