Water plays a pivotal role in our operations at Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC), serving as the primary component in our beverages, a vital resource for our production activities, and an indispensable element in cultivating the agricultural products we depend on.
The evolving climate crisis is intensifying issues related to water, including scarcity and stress, alongside the increasing occurrence of droughts and floods. These challenges are evident in several regions crucial to our production and procurement processes.
In response to these pressing concerns, ECCBCis committed to a comprehensive approach to water stewardship. This strategy emphasizes enhancing water efficiency across our operations and dedicating efforts to safeguard the water sources essential to our business, the well-being of our communities, and the sustainability of our supply chain. Through these initiatives, we aim to mitigate our environmental impact and contribute to the resilience of the ecosystems we operate within.
Goals
Levers of change
Water optimization in our operations processes to reach 1.2L/L beverage
Facilitate access to safe and drinkable water to the communities around us
Leverage our wastewater treatment plants to recycle and reuse
Ensure availability of water from the watershed
Water optimization (Plants level)
Water conservation is of paramount importance, particularly in light of the persistent water scarcity in Africa, which demands urgent and collaborative efforts to ensure a sustainable water future for communities across the continent. To address this pressing issue, ECCBC plants have proactively undertaken several measures to promote water conservation and minimize consumption. Our dedicated factory teams have implemented multiple actions to optimize water usage, including the installation of water-efficient equipment, the implementation of leak detection and repair programs, and the adoption of best practices for water management throughout the production process. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and analysis of water usage data allow us to identify areas for further improvement and refine our strategies for water conservation. These efforts underscore our commitment to responsible water stewardship and contribute to our broader sustainability objectives.
Study on Estimation and projection of the potentialfor mobilizing water resources by 2023/2050
Morocco
At ECCBC, we are deeply committed to addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources. Recognizing the critical importance of this issue, we have launched a comprehensive study on the estimation and projection of the potential for mobilizing water resources by 2023/2050. This study aims to assess current water availability, usage trends, and future projections to inform our strategies for sustainable water management.
By understanding the dynamics of water resources and anticipating future needs, we can proactively implement measures to mitigate risks, optimize resource allocation, and safeguard water availability for communities and ecosystems. Through initiatives like this study, we reaffirm our dedication to responsible water stewardship and our commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and society
WasteWater Treatment Plants
Morocco
Algeria
Ghana
To further our objectives of enhancing water use efficiency and achieving 100% local replenishment of water used in our beverages by 2030, we have established a partnership with Nijhuis company. Nijhuis specializes in offering robust and adaptable solutions for sustainable and resilient water management, energy, and resource recovery. As part of this collaboration, we will conduct the first study at our plant in Marrakech this year. The study aims to reduce the specific water usage ratio and recycle the effluent treatment plant’s output as raw fresh water for use instead of relying on a potable water network. Through this initiative, we are committed to advancing our sustainability goals while minimizing our environmental impact and promoting responsible water stewardship.
School refurbishment
Morocco
In Marrakech, Morocco, ECCBC is spearheading a rehabilitation project aimed at upgrading the drinking water network and renewing related equipment in schools. The primary objective of this project is to achieve a minimum 30% reduction in water consumption after the completion of works.
The initiative encompasses five colleges and five high schools with high levels of water consumption ratios. Collaborating with partners such as Marrakech Entraide, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and l’Agence de Bassin Hydraulic du Tensift, we are pooling resources and expertise to ensure the success of this endeavor. Through this project, ECCBC reaffirms its commitment to sustainable water management practices and to making a positive impact on the local community and environment.
Refugee Settlement
Uganda
In Rhino and Palabek Refugee Settlements, Uganda, ECCBC has been instrumental in ensuring access to potable water for both refugee populations and host communities.
The intervention will directly target 23.284 (51% female) South Sudanese refugees (22.102 water supply and 1.182 sanitation) and 50,000 indirect beneficiaries from the refugee and host communities living in and around Rhino Camp and Palabek Refugee Settlements.
- 10,962 persons
Target Palabek Refugee Settlemen - 12,322 persons
Target Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement
Sustainable Economy forum
Algeria
On November 6, 2023, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company Algeria proudly served as a premium partner of the inaugural Sustainable Economy Forum in Algiers, Algeria.