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JUNE 17 2022
ZAMBIAN BREWERIES PARTNERS WITH JAVA FOODS IN CREATING A GREEN ECONOMY
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries, through its recycling initiative- Manja Pamodzi Foundation Limited has partnered with Java Foods Limited in collecting recyclable waste from its factory as part of the food processor’s contribution to the Extended Producer Responsibility framework designed to increase manufacturers’ role in building a green economy.
The community-based initiative Manja Pamodzi supports a network of entrepreneurs who collect and sell post-consumer packaging waste in Lusaka as part of Zambian Breweries’ strategy to help improve the country’s solid waste management system.
Zambia Association of Manufacturers representative Kasonde Chituta commended both Zambian Breweries PLC and Java Foods for the partnership stating that: “It is great to see manufacturers coming up and partnering for a great purpose; which is sustainability in the environment.”
He further wished that more partnerships can emerge out of such platforms and alluded to the concept of industrial symbiosis where waste from one manufacturer can be an input for another manufacturer.
“These are the types of relations we want to see in the Zambian manufacturing sector and such partnerships have the ability to enhance sustainability,” added Mr Chituta.
Zambian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director Ezekiel Sekele said: “The Manja Pamodzi recycling initiative has initiated partnerships with environmentally conscious manufacturers such as JAVA Foods Limited in order to ensure maximum utilisation of industrial waste and the advocacy of improved Solid Waste management (SWM). We therefore want to once again commend Java Food’s decision to join hands with Manja Pamodzi in promoting environmental protection through recycling initiatives.”
“It is to this effect that we have decided today, on behalf of Zambian Breweries Plc, and its subsidiary Manja Pamodzi Foundation Limited, to recognise and award Java Foods Limited this prestigious certificate of partnership, recognising the key contribution towards the circular and green economy,” said Mr Sekele.
The recycling initiative has proactively collected recyclable waste directly from the trading premises of Java Foods, reducing the volume of solid waste reaching local landfills.
Under Manja Pamodzi, collectors gather recyclable waste such as plastic bottles and other packaging materials and sell them to aggregators; who then sell the material to recyclers that process it into pellets, cups, chairs, tissue and other useful items.
Java Foods is one of Zambia’s leading food producers of affordable and nutritious food made from local products.
“As Java foods, we realize the tremendous impact waste segregation and recycling play in the environment where we live and do business. Manja Pamodzi Foundation Limited provides us the opportunity as industry players to comply with extended producer responsibility. We implore our fellow stakeholders in manufacturing, distribution, import, trade, as well as retail to get involved as much as possible as we have a key role to play in advocating and implementation of sustainable packaging, recycling and promotion of good waste management practices,” said Java Foods Limited Director Ms Vaezi Chima.
Creating sustainability through recycling, can help conserve natural resources, reduces the amount of waste reaching landfills and increase economic security by tapping into domestic raw materials.
True to its name, Manja Pamodzi (meaning working together) has advocated for team-work in promoting Green, Clean and Healthy cities in Zambia. Zambian Breweries believes this endeavour cannot be achieved by the government alone but requires a joint effort from communities; corporate entities and other stakeholders in order to make it work.
Manja Pamodzi was launched in 2016 by Zambian Breweries PLC. With support from Lusaka City Council and Zambia Environmental Management Agency. It has so far recruited more than 800 collectors while collecting over 12, 000 tons of recyclable waste from communities in Lusaka.
The recycling initiative is not only a one stop solution to EPR Regulations compliance but is also aligned with the Green Economy and Environmental Protection agenda in which the production of goods and services is done with negligible levels of pollution to the land, air and water.
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 400 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Lager, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle beer, Stella Artois and Budweiser.
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