Companies such as Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), a leading beverage manufacturer on the continent, are placing sustainability at the core of their business strategy. This focus, as articulated by Tshidi Ramogase, the company's Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer, prioritizes both people and the planet.
As countries around the globe unite to mark World Environment Day, companies and players operating in fields with a direct impact on the environment are being called to take steps towards sustainable conservation.
Tshidi Ramogase, the CCBA Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer,
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“Water is a priority for the Coca-Cola system because it is the first ingredient in all our beverages and is essential to the communities we serve,” said Ramogase. This fundamental need for water has driven The Coca-Cola Company to develop its 2030 Water Security Strategy, which focuses on enhancing water security through various partnerships. These collaborations aim to ensure a steady supply of clean water for both people and ecosystems in the areas where the company operates and sources ingredients.
The strategy also includes significant contributions towards sustainable, clean water access. This not only improves livelihoods and wellbeing but also protects against water-related disasters. “Inside our operations, we are committed to regenerative water use. This means using less water as well as re-using and treating wastewater,” Ramogase explained.
A tangible example of this commitment is the new wastewater treatment plant at CCBA’s Equator Bottlers plant in Kisumu, Kenya. This plant promotes sustainable water use and reduces the environmental impact of the factory. The treated and recycled wastewater from the production facility is repurposed for non-potable uses such as irrigation and cleaning. This initiative aligns with the company’s goal of reducing its water footprint and contributing to environmental sustainability.
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In Botswana, CCBA has also taken steps to support sustainable water use. Last year, Coca-Cola Beverages Botswana signed an agreement with the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources to donate water from its newly installed water treatment plant for agricultural irrigation on campus. This state-of-the-art plant ensures that the company is fully effluent compliant by returning clean water to the environment, further showcasing CCBA's commitment to sustainability.
Packaging is another critical area where CCBA is driving sustainable practices. The company seeks to foster a circular economy to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Efforts include using more recycled content in packaging, expanding the use of refillable bottles, and collecting packaging for recycling through Coca-Cola’s World Without Waste initiative. Ramogase highlighted the establishment of the PET Recycling Company (PETCO) in South Africa in 2004, which promotes and regulates the recycling of PET plastic. This model has been so effective that it has been extended to Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, with plans to include additional countries like Namibia.
“While we strive to make progress on our own, we are committed to fostering partnerships that drive collective impact in areas including water stewardship, packaging circularity, climate action and many more,” said Ramogase.
Engaging with stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, communities, suppliers, business partners, customers, and consumers is a crucial part of CCBA’s strategy. Feedback from these stakeholders helps the company learn, improve, and inform its business and sustainability strategy.
