Zero Waste Future programme recruits 50 businesses, recycles 20 tonnes of material

Zero Waste Future engages the local coastal HoReCa industry, citizens, authorities and NGOs to take ownership towards a sustainable future

Zero Waste Future initiatives reached more than 1 million people to date
Zero Waste Future initiatives reached more than 1 million people to date

The Zero Waste Future (ZWF) programme was launched in Malta in 2019 with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation and GSD Marketing Ltd. This project is implemented by the Cypriot NGO AKTI Project and Research Centre. Focusing on increased recycling, prevention of land and marine litter, together with providing engaging solutions, awareness-raising events, and participatory processes, ZWF engages the local coastal HoReCa industry, citizens, authorities and NGOs to take ownership towards a sustainable future. 

Through social and traditional media, the Zero Waste Future initiatives and activities have reached more than 1 million people to date. Over 40 tons of recyclable materials have been collected through on-the-go recycling bins in Vittoriosa, as well as beach and seabed clean-up activities, that saw the participation of more than 500 volunteers. For the first time in Malta, a waste characterisation study was carried out in cooperation with the Vittoriosa Local Council. 

Fifty HoReCa outlets were enrolled in the Responsible Coastal Business Network (RCBN) programme. These outlets were provided with an innovative Guide of Good Practices, which resulted in an additional 40 tons of waste being recycled. Chill Café & Bistro, Don Berto Restaurant and Agħmilli Café Cafeteria ranked as the top three performers in this network and were recognised by the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise, Hon. Dr Miriam Dalli. Local designer Marco Parascandolo was also recognised for using recycled and sustainable material in his outfits. In fact, awards compère, Clare Agius, was wearing a Parascandolo dress sewn from recycled material. 

‘’The way to tackle the interconnected global challenges of packaging waste and climate change is through collaboration and sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices. This programme brings together private businesses, NGOs and Government in achieving meaningful and lasting results. We look forward to continue working together in this partnership, so we can drive change and protect the environment for our future generations’’ said Maria Micallef CEO of GSD Marketing Limited. 

‘’In today’s age the world is facing various challenges especially those related to the environment. However, we need to join forces, with the private sector and different organizations, so that collectively we continue raising awareness and drive real change that can result in long lasting environment protection’’ said Hon. Dr Miriam Dalli, Minister for Environment, Energy and Enterprise. 

The programme will run until July 2023, expanding the cooperation with the Local Councils of Cospicua and Senglea. Further waste characterisation will be performed in these localities, and we will focus on a further drive for the enrolment of new members to the RCBN. The Litterless campaign of Ekoskola has partnered up to engage and inspire current and future generations. Festivals Malta and Sports Malta joined forces with Zero Waste Future to expand the zero-waste concept during their events. This program is also supporting the local NGO Zibel to recover and recycle marine litter, which is collected during marine and beach clean-ups. This 360-degree approach enables us to start from the prevention of littering to the collection and recycling of marine waste. 

Sustainability is the only way forward and we will endeavor to give our support to this case in the local context.