Two new CarlsBot machines for a greener Sabah

Carlsberg Malaysia’s groundbreaking initiative, Project CarlsBot, marked its first anniversary with a significant expansion, installing two new CarlsBot machines in Sabah. These state-of-the-art machines, designed to pulverize glass waste, were inaugurated at Kg. Madsiang in Penampang and Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Tuaran, supplementing the existing unit at Tanjung Aru Marine Ecosystem (TAME) in Kota Kinabalu.

Since its inception at the end of 2022, Project CarlsBot has made remarkable strides in empowering Sabahan communities to combat glass waste, an environmental menace. Over 110,000 bottles, equivalent to a staggering 22,000kg of glass waste, have been collected and recycled through this community engagement program. This effort has not only diverted tons of waste from landfills but also significantly reduced the environmental footprint in Sabah.

Carlsberg Malaysia’s Managing Director, Stefano Clini, expressed gratitude for the widespread support received, emphasizing the collaborative nature of Project CarlsBot. He stated, “Project CarlsBot, our flagship community engagement programme aimed at tackling packaging waste, is a collective effort with Sabahans, for Sabahans.”

Commitment to Zero Packaging Waste

In alignment with Global Recycling Day, Carlsberg Malaysia reiterated its commitment to achieving ZERO Packaging Waste, setting ambitious targets for bottle and can collection and recycling rates. By 2030, the company aims to achieve a 90% collection and recycling rate for its packaging materials. Notably, as of the end of 2023, Carlsberg Malaysia had achieved a commendable 94% collection and recycling rate for returnable bottles in Peninsular Malaysia.

The success of Project CarlsBot wouldn’t have been possible without the support of stakeholders like NGO Ripple Sabah and local communities. Jenifer Lasimbang, Chairperson of Ripple Sabah, highlighted the impact of the initiative, particularly in providing income opportunities for community members. She affirmed, “We are encouraged that CarlsBot is hitting key milestones and hope to keep garnering support from all stakeholders.”

Innovative solutions for environmental sustainability

The introduction of CarlsBot machines not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters economic opportunities. These machines, capable of pulverizing 600kg of glass bottles per hour, transform waste into valuable resources like cullets and sand, facilitating various applications including furniture and handicrafts.

Alex Phuah, Resident Manager of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, lauded the partnership with Carlsberg Malaysia, emphasizing its alignment with responsible tourism and shared values. He remarked, “Through CarlsBot, we hope to create a positive impact and a sustainable legacy for the community in Tuaran.”

Project CarlsBot’s initiatives resonate with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). As Carlsberg Malaysia continues to champion sustainability, Project CarlsBot stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving meaningful change.

For more information about CarlsBot, visit CarlsBot Facebook page.