In line with its global vision for a waste-free future, Nestlé Pakistan recently stepped up efforts under the Clean Hunza Project by installing a machine for bailing and compressing packaging waste in Hunza. Launched in 2019, Clean Hunza Project is part of District Council Hunza’s initiative on waste management, in partnership with Nestlé Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan Waste Management Company (GBWMC) and KADO.
Clean Hunza Project focuses on waste segregation and recycling system for Hunza by encouraging waste management of 200,000 kgs of plastics in 2021, eventually leading up to 1000 tons by 2025 to make Hunza waste-free and promote sustainable tourism in the region.
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Inaugurating the bailing and compressing machine unit, Faiz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Hunza said, “I am thankful to Nestlé Pakistan for promoting sustainable tourism in the region and fulfilling our dream of clean green Hunza. The first truckload of compressed plastic bails to be transported downstream will complete the cycle of waste minimization and promote the circular economy.”
Highlighting Nestlé’s global vision for a waste-free future, Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nestlé Pakistan said, “We are accelerating our actions to reduce the environmental impact of various kinds of packaging waste. Our vision is that none of our packaging, including plastics, ends up in landfill nor in oceans, lakes and rivers.”
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“Tackling packaging waste requires a collective approach and we are committed to finding improved solutions to reduce, reuse and recycle. To achieve this, we have set ourselves the commitment of ensuring 100% of our packaging is reusable or recyclable by 2025 and this initiative is a step in that direction,” he further added.
Located on Karakoram Highway at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level, Hunza is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan with almost 1.2 million tourists having visited the region in 2018.
This project marks Nestlé Pakistan’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste by improving its management and recycling, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 17 – Responsible Consumption & Production and Partnership for Goals.
Globally, Nestlé continues to play a leading role in helping solve the issue of packaging waste with its three-pillar approach, i. Developing new packaging, ii. Shaping a waste free future and iii. Driving new behavior.
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Nestle’s commitment to corporate social responsibility
We all know, non- biodegradable plastic bags have become a serious cause of environmental pollution in the world. It is significantly worse in South Asia and if we look at Pakistan alone, around 164,332 tons of plastic are dumped into the Indus River every year. Plastic takes years to decompose and is extremely dangerous for the planet as well as human health. However, despite these statistics, the production of plastic has not slowed down.
As a socially responsible company which is committed to positively impacting Individuals and Families, Communities and the Planet, Nestle has taken up the challenge to initiate waste management in the valley of Hunza. Home to lush green meadows, dazzling blue rivers and huge glaciers, Hunza Valley is dubbed as the ‘Switzerland of Asia’. This picturesque valley nestled between the snowy mountain tops has always been considered the top tourist destination by locals and foreigners alike.
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