The Coca-Cola Foundation has committed a substantial $1 million grant to the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) to accelerate the Caribbean Plastics Recycling Project, marking a significant step in addressing the region’s escalating plastic pollution crisis. This strategic investment targets six Caribbean nations—Grenada, Suriname, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, and Guyana—where waste management challenges have reached critical levels.
According to World Bank data, over 320,000 tons of plastic waste remain uncollected annually across the Caribbean, severely damaging marine ecosystems and threatening vital economic sectors including tourism, fisheries, and shipping. The region’s unique geographical fragmentation, limited infrastructure, and complex regulatory frameworks have historically impeded effective recycling solutions.
Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, emphasized the project’s dual focus: “We’re strengthening local recycling systems while creating sustainable economic opportunities. This initiative represents our commitment to both environmental protection and community empowerment throughout the Caribbean.”
The comprehensive program will implement three core strategies over its one-year timeline: identifying and supporting local ‘recycling champions’ to innovate collection methods, expanding waste collector networks to generate income opportunities, and establishing cross-border collaborations to reduce operational costs. Particular emphasis will be placed on creating economic opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized communities.
This latest investment builds upon an existing partnership that since 2022 has already facilitated the collection of 2,300 tons of plastic while providing training and equipment to hundreds of waste collectors. Katie Taylor, Executive Director of PADF, noted: “Our continued collaboration with The Coca-Cola Foundation enables us to create lasting impact by building resilient communities and ecosystems through innovative recycling models.”
The project represents a growing recognition that environmental conservation and economic development must be addressed simultaneously, particularly in regions where waste management challenges intersect with limited economic opportunities. Implementation will be handled by PADF in partnership with CircularPak, a circular economy consultancy specializing in sustainable waste management solutions.