X5 teams up with Coca-Cola to test reverse vending machine for collecting and recycling aluminium cans

In association with Coca-Cola, Russian food retailer X5 Group will reportedly test reverse vending machines in Pyaterochka stores in Moscow, aiming to collect and recycle used plastic bottles and aluminium beverage cans of different brands.

As per the report, the vending machines will dispense a 15 per cent discount coupon, applicable on a range of Coca-Cola drinks, for each item deposited by customers.

Commenting on the collaboration with Coca-Cola, the CEO of X5 Retail Group, Igor Shekhterman, said, "We are happy to collaborate with one of our large partners on this pilot plastic collection project that represents an important step towards reducing waste.”

He also said, "Teaming up to install reverse vending machines at our stores allows us to refine procedures for a potential future rollout. We hope that customers will welcome and make active use of this collection method."

Eco-Technologies will be used for maintaining the reverse vending machines and for transporting and recycling plastic and aluminium waste collected through this initiative.

CEO of Coca-Cola HBC Russia, Alexandar Ruzhevich, said, "A joint pilot project with a leading Russian food retailer lets us offer people another practical solution for recycling. We hope the project will expand and contribute to the development of the circular economy."​

Over the past three years in Russia, the cola giant has already collected and recycled more than 60,000 tonnes of packaging through its ‘Separate with US’ project. By 2030, the company aims to help collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and beverage can be sold in the world. But before that, by the year 2025, it wants to achieve 100% recyclable packaging.