Coca-Cola Philippines Expands ‘Tapon to Ipon’ Recycling Initiative Nationwide

In a move that reinforces its commitment to environmental sustainability, Coca-Cola Philippines has expanded its flagship PET bottle collection initiative, Tapon to Ipon, into a unified and more accessible nationwide program. This initiative aims to strengthen local recycling infrastructure and significantly boost PET bottle recovery efforts across communities in the Philippines.

Launched during a community activation event on April 29, 2025, at Terra 28th in Bonifacio Global City, the expanded program consolidates various Coca-Cola collection campaigns—including the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) program—into a single, streamlined effort. With over 6,000 collection hubs now operating nationwide, Tapon to Ipon provides more Filipinos with accessible drop-off points to recycle used plastic bottles.

“This expansion represents our continued innovation in addressing plastic waste through community-centered solutions,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines. The initiative allows consumers to exchange used PET bottles—regardless of brand—for Coca-Cola product rewards at sari-sari stores, special event booths, and other designated hubs.

First introduced in 2021 by Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP), the program has partnered with local government units, small businesses, and environmental organizations to encourage recycling at the grassroots level. According to Gareth McGeown, CEO and President of CCEAP, “The goal has always been to strengthen recycling infrastructure and empower Filipinos to take part in sustainability.”

Tapon to Ipon is closely tied to PETValue Philippines, the country’s first bottle-to-bottle food-grade recycling facility based in General Trias, Cavite. This facility transforms used PET bottles into new packaging materials, completing the circular recycling loop.

Further enhancing its impact, the program now includes incentives for sari-sari store and carinderia owners who collect recyclables from their neighborhoods. Through partnerships with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), these micro-retailers can earn points through the bXTRA app, which are redeemable for cash or products.

With its reach extending to over 170 cities and municipalities, Tapon to Ipon has gained recognition from prestigious platforms such as the FMCG Asia Awards and the Quill Awards. This highlights Coca-Cola’s growing role in building a cleaner, more sustainable Philippines—one bottle at a time.