The award ceremony for Smart Plastic Zone project participants took place in Almaty. Kazakhstan companies are implementing eco-friendly practices and reducing plastic use.
The second award ceremony for Smart Plastic Zone project participants took place in Almaty. This is an initiative aimed at developing a culture of responsible handling of plastic. In a ceremonial setting, 13 more companies received the Smart Plastic Zone badge, confirming their contribution to reducing plastic waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
The project is being implemented with the support of Coca-Cola, the GreenUrban Association and GPI-Lab LLP. Smart Plastic Zone badges are awarded in two nominations: Silver - for organizations that have already taken steps towards sustainable use of plastic, and Gold - for leaders in the field of environmental responsibility who are actively implementing environmental practices.
The first award ceremony took place in March in Astana, when the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Baiterek National Managing Holding, Elite Kazakh Museum Zaman LLP, Miras International School, restaurants, hotels, etc. received their badges. This time, 13 more companies received badges of honor, including Almaty SEC JSC, 2 IBIS hotels, NARXOZ University NJSC, Aktobe Regional University named after K. Zhubanov NJSC, Villa Dei Fiori restaurant, offices, financial institutions, hotels, restaurants, etc. The participants were recognized for real steps to reduce the plastic footprint, the introduction of alternative materials and environmentally friendly solutions. We also note that interest in the project is growing and the geography of the project is expanding. In addition to the pilot cities of Almaty, Astana and Karaganda, Petropavlovsk and Aktobe are actively involved. More and more companies are applying to participate, going through the verification process and receiving well-deserved conformity marks.
According to Yulia Yakupbaeva, Chairperson of the Board of the GreenUrban Association, the goal of the project is not only to encourage business, but also to create an ecosystem in which sustainable practices become the norm:
"We are pleased to see stable interest from companies. More and more participants are ready to go beyond the requirements and implement environmentally responsible solutions. We continue to collect analytics, share practices and support businesses along this path."
As part of the event, participants are awarded "Smart Plastic Zone" plaques of two levels - Gold and Silver, as well as a participant certificate. Those present get acquainted with the experience of other companies, exchange ideas, strengthen ties and find like-minded people for future cooperation.
Alexandra Akkirman, Director of Government Relations, Communications and Sustainable Development at The Coca-Cola Company in the Central Asia and Caucasus region, noted:
"By supporting this project, we, together with other companies, are shaping responsible behavior. Such initiatives provide clear guidelines: from reducing the use of plastic to its proper sorting. We are confident that the contribution of each company is truly important."
The Smart Plastic Zone project is open to all companies interested in implementing a more rational approach to the use of plastic. Participation in the project is free. You can submit an application on the websites www.GPI.kz, www.GreenUrban.kz and www.smartplasticzone.kz.
Source: Cronos.asia