The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) and the Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF) have launched a new initiative called Partnership for A Circular Tomorrow (PACT).
An initial funding of $1m from TCCF will support solutions and service delivery models aimed at minimising packaging waste.
The project intends to enhance waste recovery efforts throughout the Eurasian and Middle Eastern regions.
The inaugural phase of PACT is scheduled to begin in 2025, focusing on five countries: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
The programme seeks to empower waste workers and assist emerging waste enterprises.
Grants between $100,000 and $400,000 will be distributed to chosen nongovernmental organisations, social enterprises, and startups.
GETF CEO Monica Ellis said: “The Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF) is proud to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to help address critical waste management challenges in Eurasia and the Middle East.
“The PACT Fund aims to support innovation, improve waste recovery and accelerate the transition toward a circular economy regionally, building scalable solutions for long-term environmental resilience.”
The initiative is overseen by GETF and co-funded by TCCF.
TCCF president Carlos Pagoaga said: “We’re excited to launch PACT with our partners to drive circular innovation and improve waste recovery in Eurasia and the Middle East.
“Our goal is to create robust value chains, support informal waste workers, and drive innovations in waste management, ultimately paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
In March this year, Coca-Cola’s plastic consumption was estimated to surpass 9.1 billion pounds annually by 2030 if its current practices persisted, according to an Oceana report.
