Nestlé Pakistan, District Council Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan Waste Management Company (GBWMC) and Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO) have signed a MoU for "Clean Hunza Project".

"Clean Hunza Project" shall focus on infrastructure development for a waste segregation, management and recycling system for Hunza - a popular tourist destination - with District Council Hunza, GBWMC and support from KADO for raising awareness in the communities.

The collective action initiative will encourage waste management of 150,000kgs of plastics annually in Phase I, followed by collection of 50,000kgs paper packaging (used beverage cartons) in Phase II in the area with an increase of 10% annually.

The project is supported by the company's Nestlé Fruita Vitals and Nestlé Pure Life brands.

The Project's focus shall be on the segregation of Plastics and paper packaging at the waste site which, after the compressing and bailing process, shall be brought down the country for recycling. Nestlé Pakistan shall provide a compressing and bailing unit to the Hunza District Government. The company will also be distributing 10,000 reusable bags in the community during 2020 as part of the project. KADO will extend support for different community awareness activities.

Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan, while highlighting the company's global commitment to tackle plastic waste, said, "This project marks the beginning of Nestlé Pakistan's journey to reduce the environmental impact of plastic packaging by improving the management and recycling of various kinds of plastic packaging, in line with UN SDGs. Globally we aim to make 100% of our packaging recyclable and reusable by 2025."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019