Coca-Cola Philippines has announced the nationwide expansion of its flagship “Tapon to Ipon” PET bottle collection program, a key component of its sustainability agenda aimed at reducing plastic waste and reinforcing local recycling infrastructure.
Launched during a community activation event at Terra 28th in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on 29 April 2025, the expanded program consolidates Coca-Cola Philippines’ various collection efforts, including the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) initiative, into a single, unified approach. With over 6,000 collection hubs now active across the country, the initiative makes it easier for Filipinos to drop off used PET bottles for recycling.
“Coca-Cola Philippines continues to innovate and improve our recycling systems to help address plastic waste. By expanding Tapon to Ipon, we are increasing collection and recycling access and reinforcing our commitment to partnerships that help deliver positive impact in local communities,” according to Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines.
Originally introduced in 2021 by Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP), the program encourages the public to bring in used PET bottles — regardless of brand — in exchange for Coca-Cola product rewards at designated sari-sari stores, carinderias, and pop-up booths at major events such as the Sinulog and Dinagyang festivals.
The collected plastic bottles are sent to PETValue Philippines in General Trias, Cavite, the country’s first food-grade bottle-to-bottle recycling facility and a joint venture between CCEAP and Indorama Ventures. This facility plays a vital role in converting post-consumer bottles into new food-grade recycled PET (rPET) packaging.
The expansion of Tapon to Ipon further empowers micro-retailers through the Tindahan Extra Mile initiative. In partnership with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), participating sari-sari store and carinderia owners collect recyclables in exchange for points, which they can convert to cash or products via the bXTRA app.
“We are grateful to all our partners who continue to support collective environmental action. Strengthening collection and recycling infrastructure has always been a key goal of Tapon to Ipon, and its expansion underscores our shared mission to empower communities and create a more sustainable future for Filipinos,” said Gareth McGeown, CEO and President of CCEAP.
To date, the program has reached over 170 cities and municipalities and received accolades from the FMCG Asia Awards, Quill Awards, and Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for its contributions to sustainable practices.
To locate the nearest collection hub and participate in the program, the public is encouraged to visit Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability page and use the interactive map via https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.