By Kenneth Oboh

The global plastic waste problem is a monumental challenge, with over 300 million tons of plastic produced annually and less than 9% recycled. The environmental and public health consequences are dire—polluted waterways, damaged ecosystems, and microplastics infiltrating food chains. In Nigeria, the crisis is particularly acute, with over 2.5 million tons of plastic waste generated yearly, 80% of which ends up in landfills or waterways, compounding the country’s environmental and health challenges.

However, amidst these challenges, leaders like Idris Babatunde Adetola, a seasoned ESG professional, have made significant strides in addressing the plastics menace through innovative recycling projects and impactful interventions.

Idris Babatunde Adetola’s work as the Packaging Recovery Lead for Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Nigeria has been transformative. His efforts have redefined what is possible in waste management in a nation grappling with overwhelming plastic pollution. One of his landmark contributions is the execution and operational leadership of the novel Mega Packaging Aggregation Hub Project for the Coca-Cola system in Nigeria, an initiative designed to directly collect and process post-consumer PET waste into quality input materials for food grade recycled PET packaging production.

This hub forms a crucial part of Coca-Cola’s long-term investment in recycled PET (rPET) production in Nigeria. Beyond environmental benefits, the project’s financial implications are equally impressive, as it creates sustainable access to feedstock. Projections indicate that the hub will recover 13 million kilograms of post-consumer PET annually, equivalent to over 500 million PET bottles while supporting over a thousand waste pickers and aggregators along the value chain.

The environmental benefits are clear—less plastic waste in landfills and waterways—but the project also fosters socio-economic growth. By creating job opportunities within the recycling value chain, the initiative brings much-needed financial empowerment to local communities. This intersection of sustainability and economic development is a recurring theme in Idris’s work.

Idris’s leadership shines brightly in community-centered recycling initiatives. The 1004 Estate Community Recycling Program is a prime example. This pilot project, targeting closed-community packaging recovery, installed 18 strategically located collection points. In its first year alone, the program recovered over 2,000 kilograms of plastic waste, equivalent to approximately 100,000 PET bottles. What makes this project stand out is its ability to engage local residents, fostering a shared sense of responsibility for waste management.

Similarly, the University of Lagos Green Eco Hub Project underscores Idris’s ability to combine environmental innovation with educational outreach. The initiative introduced a layered PET recovery infrastructure at the institution, resulting in the recovery of over 4.5 million PET bottles in just one year. By engaging students, faculty, and staff, this project not only addressed plastic waste but also instilled a culture of environmental stewardship among young people—a critical demographic for driving long-term change.

Another impactful endeavor is the Community Recycling Bank, which focuses on marginalized groups, particularly women and youth. This project was executed with an objective to productively engage over 1,000 individuals, providing them with income-generating opportunities through plastic waste recovery. With capacity ro recover 600 thousand kilograms of plastic waste annually, the initiative combines environmental impact with social empowerment. Its incentive-based approach has proven particularly effective, encouraging participants to adopt sustainable recycling habits while simultaneously improving their livelihoods.

Beyond community programs, Idris has pioneered strategic collaborations with commercial partners to enhance Coca-Cola packaging recovery efforts. Partnerships with fast-food giants like Chicken Republic have demonstrated how businesses can play an active role in sustainability. These collaborations leverage Coca-Cola HBC’s extensive distribution network to create scalable waste collection and recycling models. By involving commercial partners, Idris has expanded the scope of recycling efforts, creating synergies between corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Idris’s influence extends beyond project implementation. He has been instrumental in shaping policies that support sustainable practices. Notably, he played a key role in shaping the outcome of Nigeria’s proposed single-use plastic tax, which would have disproportionately affected consumers without addressing the root causes of plastic waste. His advocacy in industry forums, including the NECA Job Fair 2024, the Climate Action Africa Forum, role as a technical committee member of the Nigeria Plastic Action partnership (A World Economic Forum initiative) and an executive member of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, underscores his commitment to driving systemic change and creating an environment that enables business growth. His thought leadership in circular economy and green innovation continues to inspire stakeholders across industries.

His holistic approach to waste management is the unique attribute of Idris. He doesn’t merely focus on reducing plastic waste; he aims to create a circular economy where packaging materials are continuously reused, minimizing their environmental footprint. His work demonstrates that sustainable solutions are not only possible but also practical and impactful when implemented thoughtfully.

Through projects like the PET Aggregation Hub, community recycling programs, and strategic partnerships, Idris has shown that localized interventions can have global significance. His efforts highlight the importance of integrating social, economic, and environmental factors to create meaningful change. By addressing the plastic waste crisis from multiple angles, he provides a roadmap for other nations and industries facing similar challenges.

The road to a waste-free world is undoubtedly long, but leaders like Idris Babatunde Adetola offer hope and tangible solutions. His interventions remind us that while global problems require global solutions, local actions can have a profound impact. Each project, each community initiative, and each recovered PET bottle brings us closer to a more sustainable and equitable future.

In the fight against plastic waste, Idris’s work stands as a beacon of possibility, demonstrating that with innovation, collaboration, and dedication, a cleaner, greener and prosperous world is within reach.

About Idris Babatunde Adetola

Idris Babatunde Adetola is a seasoned ESG professional with over 11 years of experience in environmental sustainability, occupational health, safety and Regulatory engagement. As the Packaging Recovery Lead for Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Nigeria, he spearheads initiatives that tackle plastic pollution while empowering communities. Idris holds degrees in Plant Biology and Occupational Health and Safety, alongside certifications in business leadership and process design. A passionate advocate for sustainable development, he has led projects that have significantly impacted Nigeria’s recycling ecosystem, creating socio-economic opportunities while addressing environmental challenges. He is a notable force in the bottling industry, and not just Coca-Cola.