CB BureauHindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) recently distributed 22,000 cotton bags across locations around four of its factories located at Ameenpur near Hyderabad, Jalpaiguri near Siliguri, Srikalahasti near Chittoor, and Goblej near Ahmedabad. The initiative is part of the company’s efforts to align with the government’s initiative to reduce plastic usage. According to the company, HCCB is among the first few corporates to distribute cotton bags at such a large scale.
The bags were distributed at various expos organised by HCCB for generating awareness around water, waste management and sustainable agricultural methods, using digital and experiential technology that took examples from HCCB’s economic and community work.
As told to CauseBecause by the company spokesperson, the recipients of the cotton bags were educated both on recycling and responsible waste management. Through simple gamification, they were taught to develop the habit of segregating waste at home. They were also informed on how HCCB was working with UNDP to set up waste-recycling interventions across 50 cities in India by 2023.
Apparently 44,000 visitors participated in the events. Most of the visitors were students, local community members, farmers, vendors, associates and their families, and employees from the neighbouring factories. Among the attractions at the expos was the demonstration of the ultra high-density plantation (UHDP) method of growing mangoes under the company’s flagship programme, Project Unnati. The company also showcased several initiatives inspired by the country’s age-old practices of recycle and reuse.
To measure impact, at the end of their visit, visitors were asked about the things that they liked, with most stating that they valued the level of new learnings and initiatives taken up by HCCB. Many participating schools and colleges gave on-the-spot, personalised feedback.
In a press release, Kamlesh Sharma, chief communications officer, HCCB, said, ‘Our factories are part of a robust local ecosystem and therefore centres of great interest. People throughout the year visit our factories to learn more about manufacturing processes, digital interventions, quality practices, etc. We used this insight and created temporary set-ups at our factories where we could disseminate information and create awareness around waste management, water management, reduction in single-use plastic usage, use of digital technology for skill building, and much more.’