SABMiller aims to significantly improve recycling rates in Colombia

(29/07/2010)

SABMiller, one of the world's leading brewers, has partnered with a major retailer in its Colombian operation to establish a system aimed at significantly improving recycling rates in the country.

Significant efforts have been made in recent years by the local government to reduce the levels of waste going to landfill in Colombia's capital, Bogota, a principle element of which involves improving the recycling infrastructure.

SABMiller's Colombian subsidiary, Bavaria, is working with Carrefour, the National Association of small recyclers and CEMPRE, a not-for-profit association which promotes reduction, reuse and recycling, to install 15 recycling centres in Carrefour's supermarkets in Bogotá and Medellin.

The material will be collected by local recycling companies and taken to the existing recycling facilities in each city, providing sustained support and work for smaller local recycling companies.

The programme has a target of collecting 1000 tonnes in 6 months and will be accompanied by a communication campaign to encourage consumers to bring the recycling material to the centres.

Barry Smith, President of SABMiller Latin America, said: "There is an increasing expectation being placed on companies today to minimise the environmental impact of their packaging, from sourcing materials through to disposal and recycling by consumers. We seek to make a difference through innovative partnerships with suppliers and customers such as this one with Carrefour."

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