In a bid to deepen its commitment to a sustainable future, British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria has launched the pilot of its post-consumer waste recycling initiative, the company said in a release.
The initiative was achieved in partnership with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA).
According to the firm, the initiative is part of its extended producer responsibility program mandated by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
“It also aligned with our ‘A Better Tomorrow™’ commitment to minimise the environmental impact of our business operations, in collaboration with the facilitating agency, FBRA,” the statement read.
World Environment Day is celebrated every June 5 and this year’s theme is “Solutions for Plastic Pollution” highlighting the global campaign to #BeatPlasticPollution.
Yarub Al-Bahrani, managing director of BAT Nigeria, said that by implementing this initiative, the company aims to foster a circular economy, reduce the ecological footprint of its products, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
“Our commitment extends beyond compliance, as we strive to proactively address the challenges associated with post-consumer waste and play a vital role in building a sustainable future.”
Read also: May & Baker eyes N20bn revenue in 2023
Building upon its existing commitment to environmental stewardship, BAT Nigeria already operates at 100 percent zero waste to landfill within its factory premises, ensuring that all waste generated, is recycled.
This recycling initiative represents an upscale of the company’s ongoing efforts, to further exemplify its dedication to a clean and green environment.
Through its existing recycling projects, BAT Nigeria has empowered numerous off-takers who have successfully transformed wastes into valuable resources such as infills, manure, and plastics.
With the introduction of the post-consumer Waste Recycling Initiative, the Company expects to achieve similar success even as it fulfils its Extended Producer Responsibilities in alignment with NESREA’s agenda to preserve Nigeria’s environment.
Agharese Onaghise, executive secretary of FBRA said the introduction of waste collection receptacles in designated consumer locations is a sustainable instrument for the Alliance to ensure post-consumer packaging waste is taken back by the producers for recycling.
“This initiative is a great way to ensure that post-consumer wastes do not contribute to littering of the environment and encourages proper disposal in an environmentally friendly manner,” she said.
According to Onaghise, the Alliance and BAT Nigeria look forward to making a tangible difference through the recycling initiative and creating a greener Nigeria for generations to come.
