4th April 2023 (Natadola, Fiji): InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa has partnered with Mission Pacific, a PET bottle and aluminium can ‘recovery / recycle’ program that is operated by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Fiji with the support of Natural Waters of Viti Ltd. and the Motibhai Group of Companies. They are working together with the aim of minimizing the environmental impact of their operations by ensuring that their beverage packaging has a responsible place to go to once the product has been enjoyed, and the packaging is no longer required. The Mission Pacific Program aims to promote sustainable practices and increase recycling rates in Fiji, with InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa being a proud supporter as a responsible tourism operator.
Under the Mission Pacific Program, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa separate out PET bottles and aluminium cans into individual bulk bags which are then picked up by Mission Pacific and brought back to their main Bottle Buy Back Centre in Kinoya for processing. The PET bottles and cans are sorted for quality and brand, counted, processed and loaded into containers for shipping overseas for additional processing. The program is designed to promote recycling and reduce single use plastic waste in Fiji.
“We are proud to partner with Mission Pacific to promote sustainable practices and recycling in Fiji,” said Lachlan Walker, Area General Manager – South Pacific. “Our mission is to create a positive impact on the environment and local community, and we believe that every action counts. By separating and recycling PET bottles and aluminium cans, we are reducing our environmental footprint of our Resort and contributing to a cleaner and greener Fiji. We believe that sustainability is a shared responsibility, and everyone can contribute to a more sustainable future”.
In additional to the environmental sustainability benefits, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is also committed to educating its staff and rewarding sustainable behaviour through the Mission Pacific Program. Mission Pacific pays the resort a redemption fee for every PET bottle or aluminium can of the Mission Pacific range that is collected. Starting from 1 April 2023, all money raised from the recycling program will be paid into staff gratuities each month. This initiative aims to encourage colleagues to pick up the rubbish around the resort and make sure it is placed in the bin, it also encourages them to separate PET bottles and cans from the general waste in all the venues around the resort.
Mission Pacific has been in operation since 1999 and is a show of its partners’ ongoing commitment to the sustainability of their packaging. Mission Pacific’s Recycling Program operates out of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Fiji’s factory and warehouses in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa; commonly referred to as their Bottle Buy Back centres. Mission Pacific will pays recyclers 5c per PET bottle and/or aluminium can if their collected PET bottle and cans can be brought to one of our bottle buy back centres.
Mission Pacific is continually driving for more individuals, schools, towns and municipalities to join the program in their bid to do their part for the environment.
IHG Hotels and Resorts in Fiji is committed to continuing its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and support sustainable travel. The company has implemented several other initiatives, such as Community Care Fund, IHG ‘Greener Stay’ initiative, and working with Sustainable Community Partners like Rise Beyond the Reef and Ministry of Forestry.
For more information on our ‘Sustainability Journey’, on fiji.intercontinental.com/journey-to-tomorrow.
For more information on Mission Pacific visit www.missionpacificfiji.com
