Coca-Cola Launches PET Recycling Program in Sri Lanka to Tackle Plastic Waste
Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka (CCBSL) has partnered with local sustainability platform Eco Spindles to launch “Give Back Life,” a nationwide initiative focused on collecting and recycling PET plastic waste. The program supports Coca-Cola’s broader global commitment to creating a “World Without Waste” by promoting responsible consumption and waste management.
Under the initiative, schools and local institutions will act as collection hubs, encouraging community participation in PET plastic recycling. Collection bins and logistical support will be provided to drive proper disposal and recovery. Eco Spindles, which already operates a major plastic recycling facility in the country, will process the collected plastic into polyester yarn or bristles for export, creating a circular value chain.
Sri Lanka faces growing challenges related to plastic waste, with government data indicating that over 700 metric tons of plastic waste are generated daily across the country. PET bottles make up a significant portion of this waste stream. In response, Coca-Cola’s program emphasizes collaboration with grassroots networks, educational institutions, and recyclers to raise awareness and reduce pollution.
“Give Back Life” aims to increase plastic collection rates by enhancing community infrastructure and motivation to recycle. To date, the campaign has collected over 500 million PET bottles, according to CCBSL, and the goal is to significantly scale this figure in the years ahead. The project aligns with Coca-Cola’s global goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells by 2030.
The FMCG sector in developing markets continues to come under scrutiny for its environmental footprint. Initiatives like this reflect a growing trend among major beverage and CPG brands to embed sustainability into core business models. As regulatory and consumer pressure builds, localized recycling networks that engage communities, such as Coca-Cola’s program in Sri Lanka, could become a template for broader adoption across emerging economies.
For industry leaders, this underscores the increasing importance of supply chain collaboration and the integration of circular economy principles into packaging strategies. With consumers and policymakers calling for accountability in plastic waste, the ability to quantify impact and deliver scalable, replicable waste management solutions is rapidly becoming a critical business differentiator.