Nestlé and Tetra Pak celebrate a decade of CAREton project

On National Recycling Day, Nestlé Malaysia and Tetra Pak commemorate more than a decade of their collaborative CAREton Project, dedicated to fostering a circular economy and sustainability in Malaysia.

The occasion also welcomed the participation of three new councils, namely Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai, Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya, and Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony, witnessed by Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Local Government Development, Malaysia, formalized this milestone.

The CAREton project’s mission

The CAREton Project is a joint effort between Nestlé Malaysia, Tetra Pak, and local councils, aimed at collecting and recycling used beverage cartons.

Since its inception in 2012, this initiative has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about recycling’s significance and motivating consumers to recycle their used beverage cartons.

Over the years, the CAREton Project has collected more than 4,000 tonnes of used beverage cartons, equivalent to over 283 million packs.

These cartons have been recycled and transformed into polyAI panel boards and roofing tiles, sufficient to construct 1,400 homes for Orang Asli communities in Malaysia.

Nestlé and Tetra Pak’ collaboration

Michael Wu, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia, highlights that sustainability requires collaborative efforts across the recycling value chain.

Nestlé Malaysia and Tetra Pak are committed to prioritizing sustainability, inviting all Malaysians to participate in the CAREton Project to foster a circular economy. Collection points are available at local councils, schools, universities, and retailers, making recycling convenient

Once gathered, the used beverage cartons are transported to a dedicated recycling facility, where they are repurposed into new products such as roofing tiles and panel boards.

These materials are then donated to EPIC Homes, NGOs, and other community projects to build homes and refurbish projects for Orang Asli communities and those in need.

The expansion of the CAREton Project represents a significant milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards a circular economy. It showcases the collective contribution of various entities in reducing waste, maintaining valuable resources in circulation, and creating sustainable value chains.

Nestlé and Tetra Pak’s long-standing partnership underlines their commitment to a waste-free future for Malaysia and the promotion of sustainability.