The Coca-Cola Company reiterated its commitment to advancing a circular economy in Southeast Asia, focusing on reducing plastic packaging waste through partnerships with governments and local recyclers. This was a key topic at the U.S.-Asean Business Council forum that concluded on November 27, where stakeholders emphasized the need for effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems. Umesh Madhavan, Coca-Cola's Director of Packaging Sustainability, stated the company is dedicated to collective action to speed up progress in waste management. Efforts include advocating for well-designed EPR systems in Malaysia and Indonesia and supporting deposit return systems in Singapore. These initiatives are part of the company's broader strategy to strengthen local collection and recycling infrastructure through ongoing investments and collaborations.