Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) is expanding its support for local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to strengthen PET bottle recovery and improve waste diversion through the provision of recycling infrastructure.

The company said it has partnered with the cities of Manila, Pasig, Valenzuela, Quezon City and Caloocan by donating baling machines and collection bins to improve the collection, storage, and transport of recyclable PET bottles.

Baling machines compress collected plastic bottles into compact bales, allowing communities to reduce storage requirements and transport more recyclables in fewer trips, helping divert waste from landfills and the environment.

"Effective recovery and recycling systems are built through collaboration. By working with local governments and community partners, we can make PET bottle collection more efficient and accessible where it matters most. These partnerships help ensure that more plastic packaging is collected, recovered, and returned to the recycling value chain," said Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, CCEAP vice president for corporate and regulatory affairs.

In Manila, the company said its partnership with the city government has strengthened operations at the Materials Recovery Facility located in the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden.

"The baling machine has significantly improved our operations and our logistics. PET bottles that were previously stored loose can now be processed into compact bales, allowing us to transport more recyclables on fewer trips," said Engr. John Vaughn Caoyong, public service assistant at the Manila Department of Environment and Public Services.

Caoyong added that collection bins placed in high-traffic areas, including Manila City Hall and the Manila Zoo, have supported the city's participation in the Tapon to Ipon recycling program.

CCEAP has also donated baling machines to Pasig City's Innovation for Circular Economy (ICE) Hub, Barangay Ugong's Materials Recovery Facility in Valenzuela, Palerong Manggagawa ng Payatas in Quezon City, and the Caloocan City Materials Recovery Facility to enhance local recycling operations.