The Coca-Cola Company

Coca-Cola System In Thailand Supports Local Sustainable Packaging Initiatives

July 14, 2006 edition

The Thailand Institute of Packaging Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two major universities to develop waste segregation, collection and recycling models for universities across the country. TIPMSE, sponsored by the Coca-Cola system in Thailand, signed the MoU in late June with Thammasart University – Rangsit Campus (Pathumthani province) and King Mongkut University of Technology – Thonburi Campus (Bangkok).

TIPMSE is also in discussion with the Bangbuathong Municipal to develop and implement a selective waste collection and recycling model for the Nonthaburi community. The Institute will sign an MoU with the Office of the Local Administration this month to launch the pilot community waste recycling bank.

TIPMSE was established in October 2005 as a nonprofit organization endorsed by the Federation of Thai Industries. The institute is funded solely by contributions from five core packaging supply industries (glass, paper, metal, plastic, aluminum) and relevant businesses, such as the Coca-Cola System in Thailand. The institute promotes post-consumer selective waste collection and recycling and integrated waste management -- targeting a 10% reduction of post-consumer packaging waste over the next 5 years.

The Coca-Cola system in Thailand, with other large multinational companies, played a major role in establishing TIPMSE. The institute works closely with Brazil’s CEMPRE (Business Commitment for Recycling) to promote integrated waste management systems for developing countries.