MEDIA RELEASE
27 January 2015

Applications open for Keep New Zealand Beautiful
and The Coca-Cola Foundation Community
Recycling Initiatives

Keep New Zealand Beautiful is today calling for applications for its nationwide Beverage Container Recycling Community Grants Programme.

The programme supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation, now in its third year, will see a major injection of additional funds to help local communities put in place initiatives to increase beverage container recycling.

The Coca-Cola Foundation has provided $163,000 (USD) in grant funding for 2015 projects, which will be made available to community groups, councils and schools across New Zealand for local programmes.

Funding applications are now open for projects ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 which will encourage and facilitate ‘out & about’ recycling programmes at a community level, provide education, encourage people to get involved through innovative recycling methods and build on a community’s already existing capability to live more sustainably.

Heather Saunderson, General Manager of Keep New Zealand Beautiful, says this is a fantastic opportunity for local communities to showcase their initiatives and provide real benefits back to their residents.

“Keep New Zealand Beautiful is a proud partner of the Coca-Cola Foundation, and we aim to make 2015 programme the best to date.”

Dave Sharp, Partnerships & National Safety Manager for Conservation Volunteers, a 2014 recipient, says “The recycling circle' programme in 2014 was a big hit with participating schools and students - reinforcing both the need for and the benefits of recycling plastic bottles. A big 'thank-you' to the Coca Cola Foundation and KNZB for their support in making this programme possible!"

Delina Shields, Group Marketing Manager for Coca-Cola Oceania says the partnership is part of an on-going commitment to invest in innovation that supports sustainable packaging and recycling.

“The goal of this investment is to fund recycling programmes that are fun and simple but importantly make a tangible difference within the local community. This is aligned with global efforts to increase the recycling and recovery of PET bottles.”

“Coca-Cola New Zealand has worked with Keep New Zealand Beautiful for over two decades and we share a concern for our local environment and support them to continue their great work in litter reduction and beautification programmes around the country,” she says.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 27th of February 2015 and successful applicants will be notified in March 2015. All programme details can be downloaded from: www.knzb.org.nz.
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* Coca-Cola New Zealand refers to The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) which is represented in New Zealand by Coca-Cola Oceania and its bottling partner Coca-Cola Amatil (NZ) Ltd (CCANZ).

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