Diageo and FMCG firms create Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance

Johnnie Walker maker Diageo has formed an alliance with three other consumer goods companies operating across Africa to improve plastics collection and recycling.

The Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance was announced in Kigali at the CEO Africa Forum yesterday (26 March)

The UK drinks firm has joined forces with Unilever, The Coca Cola Company and Nestlé to launch the Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance.

The alliance aims to capitalise on the untapped “economic opportunity” behind recycling and reprocessing in Sub-Saharan Africa, which the groups involved claim can create jobs and improve commercial activity.

“Plastics will remain an important packaging material if we are to give African consumers the safe and affordable products they need,” the alliance said in a statement.

“However, we need to ensure that the packaging used ends up in the right place. Unfortunately, a lack of collection and recycling capacity in many African markets coupled with growing populations is creating a growing problem of plastics waste.

“We see an opportunity to tackle that problem in a way that creates jobs and reduces dependency on imported materials while alternatives to plastics are developed.

“Collaboration within and across markets will be key to success so we are proud to launch the Africa Plastics Recycling Alliance today to increase those efforts and play our part as companies in finding solutions that work for Africa.”

The wider spirits industry has increased its efforts to combat plastic waste in recent years, with many brands and bar operators banning the use of single-use plastic straws and stirrers.