International Breweries Plc, a subsidiary of AB InBev, has announced that more than 95 per cent of its product portfolio is now packaged in returnable glass bottles as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This move aligns with the company’s circular economy model aimed at reducing waste and promoting the reuse of packaging materials.
The company’s Managing Director, Carlos Coutino, made this known in a statement to mark World Environment Day 2025, which was commemorated across all International Breweries sites in Nigeria. He explained that circular packaging has become a central part of the firm’s sustainability strategy, which seeks to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency through eco-friendly packaging.
“We have made circular packaging a key focus of our sustainability strategy. Over 95 per cent of our product portfolio is packaged in returnable glass bottles, a measure aimed at reducing waste and supporting reuse models in line with our circular economy sustainability pillar,” Coutino said.
International Breweries produces well-known brands such as Trophy Lager, Hero, Castle Lite, and Budweiser. The company has also been active in public awareness campaigns and environmental initiatives across Nigeria as part of the Africa Sustainability Week, a continent-wide campaign led by AB InBev to drive environmental action.
According to the company, it organised clean-up campaigns and awareness drives in five states, including Lagos, Abuja, Osogbo, Mararaba, and Nasarawa. These activities included riverbank cleanups, waste-sorting demonstrations, and plastic recycling education targeted at the public. The initiative focused on raising awareness about plastic waste and encouraging behavioural change in communities.
In addition to the cleanup drives, International Breweries also partnered with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to recover over 200,000 kilogrammes of post-consumer plastic in 2024. These plastics include PET bottles and flexible packaging materials, which were diverted from landfills and waterways and integrated into the recycling value chain.
Temitope Oguntokun, the company’s Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, explained that the firm has ambitious targets for 2025 to ensure that all product packaging is either returnable or made from mostly recycled materials. She noted that the company’s sustainability goals go beyond regulatory compliance and are part of its commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.
“We recognise that our responsibility to the environment extends beyond compliance. It’s about leadership and long-term impact. These aren’t just targets; they’re part of our core purpose to create a future with more cheers for people and the planet,” Oguntokun said.
In Lagos, the company organised plastic recycling talks and live demonstrations on waste sorting to engage local communities. These events were replicated in other states where the company operates, reinforcing its message of sustainability and community involvement.
The Executive Director of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, Agharese Onaghise, lauded the partnership with International Breweries, stating that their joint efforts are helping to combat plastic pollution across Nigeria. She highlighted the establishment of collection hubs in places like Osogbo, Mararaba, and Nasarawa as critical to keeping plastic waste out of the environment.
“By supporting community-based recovery and launching collection hubs in Osogbo, Mararaba and Nasarawa, we are helping ensure post-consumer packaging is diverted from waterways and landfills into recycling value chains,” she said.
In Rivers State, Alwell Okereuku, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, praised the company’s consistent efforts, describing them as a strong example of corporate environmental responsibility.
“This is not just about stakeholders; it’s about shared ownership of our future,” Okereuku said.
Beyond packaging and clean-up activities, International Breweries is also promoting environmental sustainability through its Kickstart youth entrepreneurship programme. The initiative supports young Nigerians running startups in the recycling and waste-to-wealth sectors, helping to drive innovation and economic empowerment while addressing environmental challenges.
With a strong focus on circular economy practices, post-consumer waste recovery, and community engagement, International Breweries continues to position itself as a leading corporate advocate for environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
