Uganda’s beverage industry is leading the way in establishing a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to self-regulate post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling. In a groundbreaking move, Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU), Mukwano Industries, Harris International, Uganda Breweries Limited, and Crown Beverages (Pepsi) have signed a letter of intent, demonstrating their commitment to creating a sustainable and circular economy for plastic waste. The collaborative effort was facilitated by the Greater Kampala PET Plastic Recycling Partnership, which aims to enhance the recycling value chain, shift behaviors and attitudes towards recycling, and develop recycling policies.
The PRO will undertake several key responsibilities, including recruiting recyclers, subsidizing recycling through contracts, developing high-value end-uses for reusable plastics (rPET), training and empowering collectors, and promoting PET collection and recycling through consumer awareness. Consumer education and awareness campaigns will play a crucial role in promoting environmental responsibility and encouraging PET recycling.
The establishment of a PRO in Uganda is a significant milestone towards achieving a circular economy for PET plastic waste. By introducing a non-profit, industry-driven organization, the participating companies demonstrate their commitment to taking responsibility for post-consumer PET plastic. The member companies will contribute a monthly levy to the PRO, which will utilize the funds to support plastic waste collection and recycling, creating a monetary value that incentivizes collection and recycling efforts.
An underlying principle of this initiative is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds companies accountable for the lifecycle of their products. EPR encourages manufacturers, importers, and sellers of PET products and packaging to bear financial and physical responsibility for their products, shifting the burden of managing used packaging from the government to the private sector. Uganda has already incorporated EPR into legislation through the National Environment Act, 2019, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is currently developing regulations to operationalize EPR and set annual recycling targets for the PRO.
Supporting the establishment of a circular economy for plastic waste brings both environmental and economic benefits. Recycling has the potential to generate over 50 times more jobs compared to landfills and incinerators. By investing in sustainable solutions, the beverage industry partners involved in the PRO are not only contributing to a cleaner environment but also driving economic growth and job creation.
Through the PRO, these leading companies are taking full responsibility for the lifecycle of their PET products, minimizing their environmental impact. By embracing a circular economy approach and promoting recycling, they are setting a commendable example for the entire industry and spearheading sustainable practices in Uganda.