British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria has announced the pilot scheme of its post-consumer waste recycling initiative to minimize the impacts of its business operations on the environment.
Mr Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT Nigeria, in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, said the initiative was part of the company’s Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR) program.
Al-Bahrani said that the EPR mandated by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) aligned with the company’s A Better Tomorrow™ initiative.
He said the EPR was also in collaboration with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA).
The BAT Nigeria boss said that the recycling initiative represented an upscale of the company’s ongoing efforts to further exemplify its dedication to a clean and green environment.
He said by implementing the initiative, the company aimed to foster a circular economy, reduce the ecological footprint of its products, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Al-Bahrani said as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company currently operates a 100 per cent ZERO waste to landfill within its factory premises, ensuring that all waste generated were recycled.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Mrs Agharese Onaghise, Executive Secretary, FBRA, said the introduction of waste collection receptacles in designated consumer locations was a sustainable instrument for FBRA to ensure post-consumer packaging waste was recycled.
“This initiative is a great way to ensure that post-consumer wastes do not litter the environment and encourages proper disposal in an environmentally friendly manner.
“We look forward to making a tangible difference through the recycling initiative and create a greener Nigeria for generations to come,” she said.
