ISLAMABAD: The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has provided USD500,000 for a project titled ‘Sustainability & Decent Work in Pakistan’s PET: Recycling Value Chain’ with the support of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The TCCF is supporting the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to initiate a pilot project titled, ‘Sustainability & Decent Work in Pakistan’s PET* Recycling Value Chain’.
The Foundation is providing USD 500K for the project that will be implemented in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), an area that generates over 3,300 tons of municipal solid waste daily, with an estimated 79 percent being recyclable. This partnership was finalised in Islamabad by Dr Faisal Hashmi, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability, Coca-Cola Pakistan, Jennifer Ankrom, Country Manager, UNOPS Pakistan and Geir Tonstol, Country Director for ILO Pakistan, along with other representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNOPS’ key project partner were also in attendance.
Key activities under this project include undertaking a comprehensive analysis of challenges; providing training on occupational safety and health to waste pickers and handlers; facilitating the formation of cooperatives for waste pickers; and conducting a diagnostic study to map the PET value chain. ILO, as the UN specialised agency for decent work, will bring essential expertise on labour rights, occupational safety, and worker formalization.
“This collaboration with UNOPS demonstrates TCCF’s commitment to advancing waste collection and management systems while ensuring that those at the heart of the system, the informal waste pickers, receive the recognition, protection, and opportunities they deserve,” said Carlos Pagoaga, TCCF President.
Jennifer Ankrom noted: “By strengthening the PET recycling value chain, this initiative not only tackles the urgent challenge of plastic pollution but also empowers Pakistan’s informal waste pickers with safer, more dignified livelihoods. Together with The Coca-Cola Foundation, we are setting up a model to transform waste into opportunity.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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