Toronto Zoo Expands Reusable Packaging Program to Cut Waste

Toronto Zoo Focuses on Reusable Packaging

Image Credits: Toronto Zoo

Canada’s Toronto Zoo has announced the expansion of its reusable packaging initiative to mitigate the environmental impact of its 1.3 million annual visitors. The new initiative of the zoo is a partnership with Compass Group Canada, Coca-Cola, and Friendlier, a reusable packaging company.

The CEO of Friendlier, Kayli Smith, stated their views by saying that at our company, we aim to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions that align with the requirements of the organizations and consumers.

The CEO further added,

“This collaboration with the Toronto Zoo, Coca-Cola, and Compass Group Canada represents a strategic step forward in driving measurable impact and advancing our shared commitment to reducing single-use waste.”

Friendlier’s original project has helped the zoo to reuse more than 15000 containers this year. The initiative is also helping visitors to consume Coca-Cola beverages in reusable cups, supporting the zoo’s initiative to eliminate the use of single-use packaging.

The initiative is also being implemented along with dining locations in Simba Safari Lodge, Caribou Café, and Africa restaurant.

The visitors purchasing meals and fountain drinks can now pay a deposit and reclaim it through the Friendlier platform, or can also donate it to the wildlife conservation efforts of the Zoo. Further, the used containers are collected from return bins, which are further sanitized and recirculated in a professional manner.

The CEO of Toronto Zoo, Dolf DeJong, said: “Our vision at your Toronto Zoo is a world where people, wildlife, and wild spaces thrive, and sustainability at your zoo is a key factor as we work towards our goal of becoming a net-zero organization.”

He further added,

“Through this collaboration with Coca-Cola, Compass Group Canada, and Friendlier, we’re proud to offer a simple, impactful way for guests to reduce waste while supporting wildlife conservation.”

The director of Compass Group Canada also believes that the expansion of the reusable packaging program is a demonstration of a collective commitment towards sustainability.