State-of-the-art packaging collection hub opens in Nigeria

The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its authorised bottler, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), has officially launched a state-of-the-art Packaging Collection Hub in Apapa, Lagos. This groundbreaking facility, designed to enhance Nigeria's recycling infrastructure, has the capacity to process up to 13,000 metric tonnes of plastic bottles annually.

The commissioning event welcomed dignitaries such as Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Barrister Adetokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, and Dr. Innocent Barikor, the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency. Other senior government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s plastics value chain also graced the occasion.

The Coca-Cola System’s investment in this facility demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives such as:

• Using 35% to 40% recycled materials in primary packaging, including increasing recycled plastic usage to 30% to 35% globally.
• Ensuring the collection of 70% to 75% of the equivalent number of bottles and cans introduced into the market by 2035.
• Partnering with organisations worldwide to support a clean and debris-free environment.

Over the last decade, the Coca-Cola System has injected over $1.5 billion into Nigeria's economy, driving growth, empowering communities, and advancing sustainability. With plans to double its investment rate, the system has committed $1 billion over the next five years to further strengthen its contributions, provided a stable and supportive business environment is in place.

The new Apapa facility symbolises this ongoing commitment, supporting a circular economy by enabling PET collection, processing clean PET bales, and fostering rPET production through partnerships. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on imported virgin materials, promote cleaner communities, and build a sustainable future.

The Nigerian Bottling Company has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy for nearly 75 years, employing over 2,800 people across eight production plants, 11 depots, and 58 commercial territories. Beyond economic contributions, NBC leads sustainability efforts, including reducing virgin plastic usage, investing in recycling infrastructure, and engaging consumers in environmental responsibility.

With this new facility, NBC takes another step in building a sustainable future, ensuring cleaner communities, and contributing to Nigeria's journey toward a circular economy.

This investment in the Packaging Collection Hub in Nigeria builds on Coca-Cola HBC's efforts to establish effective collection models such as Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) in European markets and locally relevant packaging recovery schemes in Africa. 

 Read more about our journey to open up a more sustainable future.