In a bold move toward a cleaner, greener Nigeria, International Breweries Plc (IBPlc) — a subsidiary of global beverage giant AB InBev — is leading plastic cleanup and sustainability education efforts across the country.

As part of Africa Sustainability Week, the company mobilized its staff, volunteers, and local partners in cities like Abuja, Lagos, and more to carry out riverbank cleanups and public education campaigns aimed at reducing plastic pollution.

“Sustainability is not just a corporate goal, it is a way of life for us at IBPlc,” said Carlos Coutino, Managing Director.
“From restoring land to cleaning rivers and using returnable bottles, we’re committed to leaving the environment better than we met it.”

Making Big Environmental Gains

So far in 2024, IBPlc has helped recover over 200,000 kilogrammes of plastic waste through its partnership with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA). This effort aligns with Nigeria’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which require companies to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products.

The brewer has also reported that over 95% of its products are sold in returnable glass bottles, reflecting its strong push for a circular economy.

“By 2025, we aim for 100% of our packaging to be either returnable or made from recycled materials,” said Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director.

Grassroots Engagement and National Praise

In Lagos, the company organized public waste-sorting demonstrations and hosted plastic recycling education sessions to increase awareness about environmental health.

In Rivers State, the cleanup efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

Sir Alwell Chinedum Okereuku, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, applauded the initiative, saying:
“International Breweries’ consistent efforts to tackle plastic pollution have not gone unnoticed.”

FBRA’s Executive Director, Agharese Onaghise, also praised the collaboration, highlighting how plastic collection hubs are making a real difference in places like Osogbo, Mararaba, and Nasarawa.

“Our partnership ensures that plastic waste is rerouted into productive recycling chains,” she said.

More Than Just Cleanup

Beyond environmental efforts, IBPlc is also empowering future leaders. Through its Kickstart youth entrepreneurship programme, the company is supporting startups focused on recycling and sustainability, helping to build a stronger circular economy from the ground up.

🌍 Takeaway: As the world confronts the growing threat of plastic pollution, initiatives like these show the power of consistent corporate action and community engagement. International Breweries isn’t just talking sustainability — they’re living it.