In the world of waste management, the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) is at the forefront of Nigeria’s circular economy. Led by Executive Director Agharese Lucia Onaghise, FBRA has grown from a coalition into a key driver of change, championing extended producer responsibility and collaboration among food, beverage, and tobacco companies. This interview highlights FBRA’s journey, challenges, and achievements, showcasing its role as a model for industry innovation and environmental stewardship.

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role within FBRA?

My name is Agharese Lucia Onaghise. I’m the Executive Director of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA). The Alliance is a coalition of food, beverage, and recently tobacco companies that have come together to form a producer responsibility organization.

2. Can you provide an overview of FBRA’s mission and key objectives in the context of sustainable waste management within the food and beverage industry?

FBRA is a producer responsibility organization for the packaging industry in Nigeria, tasked with implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) for organizations in this sector. Our primary focus is on addressing various waste streams within the packaging industry.

Established in 2018, FBRA was formed by four multinational founding members: Nestlé PLC, Nigerian Bottling Company under the Coca-Cola system, Nigerian Breweries, and Seven Up under the PepsiCo system. Initially, our members primarily dealt with plastic PET bottles as their main packaging material. However, today, with our diverse membership, we manage and support the collection and recovery of not only rigid PET plastics but also flexible plastics like pure water sachets and other types of shrink wraps. Additionally, we support the recycling of aluminum cans, used beverage cartons, cigarette butts, and glass. In total, we manage six waste streams to cater to the needs of our member companies.

Our goal is to be the driving force in uniting the food and beverage industry to collaborate for the common good, despite the competition in the marketplace. Our vision is to become the leading EPR program and industry compliance model in Nigeria, one that others aspire to emulate. We also aim to create a self-sustaining recycling economy.

Over the past five years, we’ve re-strategized and evolved into an enabler of the ecosystem. I recall when I started this job, the cost of buying a loose PET was ₦20 per kg. Today, it’s around ₦150 to ₦200, which reflects the value created through ecosystem and value chain development.

One game-changer for us has been the recycled rPET standard established by SON. Recycling is a capital-intensive business that requires processing equipment and large volumes to be profitable. Companies interested in investing in Nigeria look for an enabling environment where they can thrive. The rPET standard has driven investment, leading to the establishment of three rPET facilities; Alef Recycling, Polysmart Recycling and Sonnex Packaging Limited set to launch this year. These facilities require a consistent supply of high-quality feedstock to operate at full capacity, which has increased demand for post-consumer waste and driven up prices.

We promote source segregation because the quality of the material is crucial. The difference in quality between a bottle picked up from a household versus one retrieved from a gutter or dumpsite is significant. These facilities maintain the highest standards, continuously testing the material to ensure it meets the necessary quality for producing new bottles.

With the new regulation coming into effect in January 2025, requiring companies to use 25% recycled content in their bottles, the demand for clean feedstock will only increase. This regulation mandates that the recycled content be sourced locally, which will further drive the circular economy, increase demand for post-consumer waste, and ultimately lead to cleaner streets and environment. 

3. How has FBRA collaborated with various stakeholders in the food and beverage industry to promote sustainable waste management practices? Can you share some specific examples?

We have collaborated with various stakeholders across the industry. In December 2023, Nestlé launched their 50% recycled content bottle. Companies like Seven Up, Nigerian Breweries, and Guinness are also in the process of integrating at least 25% recycled content into their production. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to 50%, driving the circular economy even further.

Companies are rethinking their designs to ensure recyclability. For example, Coca-Cola changed its Sprite PET bottle from green to clear to facilitate recycling. Colored bottles are being phased out, and companies are conducting extensive testing to comply with new regulations. We’re also working on creating secondary markets for recycled products, such as turning beverage cartons into tables, chairs, and partitioning or recycling flexible plastics into shopping bags and plastic pipes, and other products. We are working with GIZ and Omnic Limited on that. Also, The aluminum can, we’re working with them to see how they can offtake more. 

When you create a secondary market for recycled products, it becomes a self-sustaining economy. With initial investments, an enabling environment, and proper infrastructure, the recycling industry can thrive independently.

4. What are some of the most significant achievements FBRA has accomplished through these collaborations?

One of our significant achievements is expanding our scope to include various waste streams. Initially, our focus was primarily on PET bottles, but we’ve since broadened our categorization to include six different waste streams, representing the diverse needs of our members. This expansion is a key accomplishment for us, as it allows for more inclusivity and a comprehensive waste management for increase membership. 

We’ve also launched a project called the Waste-Free City in partnership with UNIDO and LAWMA. This initiative aims to model an ideal city where the circular economy is practical and accessible. We’re starting in Lagos, specifically the Lekki area, where we’ve mapped out locations for recycling centers, trained waste pickers, and initiated awareness campaigns during World Environment Day.

5. Can you describe some of the challenges FBRA has faced in fostering collaboration among different stakeholders, and how these challenges were overcome?

One of our ongoing challenges is membership expansion. Although we’ve grown from 4 members in 2018 to 36 today, there are still over 1,000 organizations in the industry that have yet to join the Alliance. Some companies initially hesitated due to membership fees, but we’ve since introduced a categorization system to address this. Despite these efforts, we’re not seeing the traction we’d like. However, the upcoming regulation, which mandates that all companies join a PRO, may drive increased membership.

Funding is another significant challenge. While we have major multinational members, waste management is a large-scale problem that requires substantial resources. With more members, we could secure more funding and expand our initiatives. To address this, we’ve partnered with public-private partnerships and international development agencies to boost our coverage and visibility. Currently, we’re active in 18 out of 36 states, but our goal is to have a presence in all states.

Another recent challenge is the harmonization of policies. We’re seeing a lot of new policies that don’t align with national guidelines, which creates confusion and inconsistency, especially for companies with nationwide distribution networks. For example, if a state implements a regulation that contradicts the national policy, it can disrupt the entire supply chain. Harmonizing these policies is crucial for ensuring smooth operations across the country.

6. What is the biggest collaboration FBRA has done so far, and how has it impacted FBRA and the lives it has touched in terms of creating wealth and job opportunities?

One of our most impactful collaborations is an international project with UNIDO focused on resource efficiency and circular economy. We’ve identified key value chain players and collectors in Lagos and Abuja, selecting five organizations from each state to work on improving their resource efficiency.

On a local level, our most significant project was the waste stream collection and value chain program we ran for three years. During COVID-19, we started a subsidy program to support collection partners facing challenges due to the pandemic. We subsidized 50% of their collection costs, which allowed them to increase their capacity, buy more material, and expand their operations. Over three years, we worked with over 50 collection partners across 18 states, collecting over 50,000 metric tons of material. This project had a profound impact, helping small businesses grow, expand, and create job opportunities.

We also documented the success of this project through a documentary, showcasing the facilities and businesses that benefitted from the program. Some collection partners were able to purchase generators, expand their operations, and buy machinery, significantly boosting their capacity.

7. In your opinion, why is it essential for organizations within the food and beverage industry to work together on waste management initiatives?

If you want to go far, you must collaborate with people. Collaboration is crucial if we want to make a significant impact. The beauty of FBRA is that when our members come together, they set aside their competition and work towards a common goal. They understand that by uniting, they have a stronger voice and can make a more significant impact. When they speak as FBRA, they represent the entire industry, giving them greater influence and the ability to drive meaningful change.

FBRA has positioned itself as a leader in this space, bringing together competitors for the greater good and setting a standard for sustainable waste management in Nigeria.

8. Before FBRA gained recognition from government agencies, were there any instances where these agencies limited FBRA’s objectives?

Absolutely. My background in environmental technology, coupled with a master’s degree in environmental policy from the UK, has often placed me in challenging situations. At various events, I was sometimes seen as someone who would over analyze everything essentially disrupting the status quo. But that’s my job. I find myself torn between my role as an environmentalist, advocating for what’s best for the country, and my responsibility to our members.

For instance, when the first draft of the regulation came out, it was quite harsh essentially calling for a blanket ban on single use plastic and styrofoam pack. We had to push back, emphasizing that these things take time and that there should be a transition period. It was tough, and I constantly encouraged our members to speak up and attend these meetings. Often, they didn’t, leaving me to represent them alone.

To overcome this, I started involving our members more directly. Before attending meetings, I would draft a position paper and share it with everyone. This way, even if I couldn’t speak, they could. We spoke with one voice. We advocated for practices that worked elsewhere, such as giving a two-year notice before introducing a ban what we call a “just transition.” Here, sometimes, we wake up to sudden bans without alternatives. For instance, if you’re banning plastic bags, you could impose a fee say xxx naira per bag. That would make people think twice about forgetting their reusable bags. These are the kinds of strategies that, although slow, drive behavioral change.

9. How does FBRA engage with the public to promote awareness and participation?

Public engagement is a key focus area for us. We recognize the importance of awareness and education, and we approach this in various ways. We visit schools and engage in community outreach, having reached over 150 communities so far.

Our half-year impact report is nearing completion and will soon be live on our website and social media. We consistently share information online, but we’ve also found that one-on-one community engagement is incredibly impactful. When we engage with a community, we do so in partnership with a local collection partner. For example, if we go to a place like Isolo, we don’t just tell people what to do and leave. We ensure there’s a local contact a collection partner so the community has a sustainable way to continue what we’ve started.

If people don’t see that service available after an awareness campaign, they’ll try for a week, maybe two, and then give up. So, before we even enter a community, we ensure there’s a partner there. We work hand in hand with them, which makes it easier for the community to embrace and sustain the program. We monitor and evaluate the progress after three to six months, checking for impact and identifying any gaps. We’ve been doing this since 2019, and while we wish we could reach 1,000 communities, it’s a lot for us to manage with our current resources and financial commitments. That’s why partnerships and collaborations are so important. We review proposals to see if they align with our mandate and key indicators, and then we partner with those that do.

10. Can you highlight any innovative approaches or technologies that FBRA and its partners have implemented to enhance waste management practices?

At FBRA, we’ve recognized the crucial role technology plays in enhancing our initiatives. In 2021, we launched a project with Waste Bazaar, a technological platform that allows us to track waste collection from the source. This project, which was even featured in a UN-Habitat publication, has been incredibly impactful. It started as a six-month pilot but extended due to its success. We managed to establish collection partners in 17 states across Nigeria, supporting the collection of over 20,000 metric tons of waste.

The ability to easily track data is key, and this technology allows us to do just that. We’ve moved from manual processes to more virtual and online methods, including using Google Forms for collection reports. We’re also exploring the development of a more robust database or app to streamline these processes further.

We’ve curated various innovative projects and initiatives. One such project was done in collaboration with GIZ, where we focused on capacity building and training for waste pickers. We wanted to ensure that the training was followed by tangible benefits, so we provided startup kits like jumbo bags and scales for those who excelled. We also organized them into clusters to work more efficiently within their localities and linked them with formal collection partners. It’s simple, basic initiatives like these that often yield the most significant results.

11. What advice would you give to other industries looking to replicate FBRA’s model of collaboration for sustainable waste management?

The key is having a common vision. When everyone is working toward the same goal, it eliminates personal agendas. Some members of our alliance often tell me that I’m very diplomatic, and that’s because I have to ensure that FBRA remains relevant to all our stakeholders. No one stakeholder is more important than the others.

We’ve managed to achieve this by curating projects that cater to the specific needs of each sector group. While we have some generic projects, we also categorize them into subcommittees to focus on individual needs. This approach has worked well, as it allows us to tailor our initiatives based on their packaging waste stream. The result? Our members are all singing FBRA’s praises in one way or another.

Consistency is another crucial factor. We ensure consistency in our commitments, data, and documentation. I always emphasize the importance of maintaining a well-organized database. Even though I may not be here forever, I want to ensure that the next person doesn’t face unnecessary challenges. We’ve set up templates and systems that are stored on our Google Drive, making it easier processes for anyone to pick up where we left off.

We’re fortunate to have strong support from our member companies. For example, 7Up provides us with legal support, NBC helps with procurement, and Nigerian Breweries handles finance, Nestle supports with PR  in addition to the Sustainability support they all provide . This collective effort is what drives our alliance forwardEveryone chips in, making it easier for us to maintain momentum and continue building on our successes.