Tetra Pak Nigeria commits to protect food, people, planet at 2020 Sustainability Report launch

By Zainab Iwayemi

• To invest €2.5m in waste recycling in Nigeria by 2030

Following an annual tradition since 1999, Tetra Pak for the 21st time has published its 2020 Sustainability Report in celebration of this year’s progress in the drive towards the protection of food, people and futures, especially as the year marks another phase of growth and success in its operation.

As a signatory to the UN global impact since 2004, Tetra Pak utilizes the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which adopts a common framework for organisations across industries to work hand in hand for a better future.

In an attempt to give insight on the operation of the organisation and how it has continued to focus on its goals despite the pandemic, the managing director of Tetra Pak Nigeria, Aruna Oshiokamele, at a virtual media launch for its 2020 Sustainability Report said sustainability has been the act for the company with its 2020 sustainability report underpinned in its 2030 strategy which has the assessment objective as agenda.

“The pandemic has changed how we live and work, giving even deeper meaning to our promise to protect what’s good, now more than ever, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect food, protect people and protect the future of the planet. Tetra Pak West Africa is focused on leading with low carbon circular economy solutions, focusing on increasing the use of responsibly sourced renewable materials, reducing the water and energy usage of equipment, and increasing capacity to recycle used beverage cartons,” Aruna stated.

At the event, which was monitored by Business A.M., the managing director of Tetra Pak for the West African region highlighted some of the successful programs which the organization had executed as well as hinted on future plans to widen the scope.

“In West Africa plan our annual school recycling project reaching over 10,000 children was a huge success last year and we plan to double this number next year and that aims to raise awareness on the importance of having a clean environment and encourage recycling,” said Aruna.

The Tetra Pak CEO further asserted that the firm’s approach to sustainability encompasses its entire value chain which includes the environmental, social and economic challenges faced, noting that as part of initiatives by the firm, Tetra Pak has constantly strived towards safeguarding its employees and supporting communities in which it operates in through, the school feeding programmes to circular economy commitments, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and protecting the future of the planet and the long-term success of customers.

Also, speaking at the virtual media launch, Rodney Reynders, the GMEA Cluster leader, and sustainability expert, said: “Sustainability has long been at the heart of our business strategy and our operations. The theme of our 2020 Sustainability Report is tagged ‘Enabling Transformation’, and speaking to the significant progress Tetra Pak has made in protecting food, people and futures over the last year, as well as the next stage in our ongoing journey to drive positive change within our company and our industry.”

Meanwhile, the company further emphasized on the need to take into account various aspects of the value chain aimed at reaching a sustainable future packaging that is good for nature and also reduces climate impact.

The firm has highlighted awareness as the key to achieving the vision of sustainability and its potentials. However, the vision stands that by the year 2030, a total investment worth €2.5 million should be into waste recycling in Nigeria and €100 million invested on an annual basis globally.