Tanzania Breweries partners with PETpro to launch first nationwide glass recycling model 

TANZANIA – Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL), a subsidiary of AB InBev, has entered into a strategic partnership with PETpro to introduce Tanzania’s first scalable glass recovery and recycling model.  

The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at TBL’s headquarters, represents a major step toward advancing circular economy practices in the country. 

The program targets non-returnable glass bottles, establishing a large-scale collection and recycling system to reduce environmental impact while boosting recycling standards.  

By converting waste glass into valuable raw materials, the collaboration directly supports Tanzania’s sustainability agenda and aligns with TBL’s 2025 Sustainability Roadmap. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, TBL Managing Director Michelle Kilpin emphasized the role of manufacturers in driving environmental transformation.  

“This partnership with PETpro is a blueprint for how manufacturers can elevate their role in driving environmental and economic impact,” she said. Kilpin highlighted that the initiative is designed not only to reduce waste but also to empower communities through job creation and income generation. 

She added that the program has the potential to serve as a platform for enhancing Producer Responsibility across industries. “Ultimately, we hope this initiative will harness collective capabilities to deliver even more impact,” she stated. 

PETpro Managing Director Nicholaus Jackson echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of collaboration in creating scalable recycling systems.  

“Through this collaboration, we are setting a new model for glass recycling in Tanzania. Our combined expertise will ensure we collect, process, and return glass to the production cycle at scale,” Jackson said. He affirmed that the partnership demonstrates how sustainability can generate both environmental and economic benefits. 

Beyond its ecological impact, the initiative is expected to generate thousands of jobs for waste collectors, recyclers, and manufacturers, particularly in underserved communities.  

By establishing consistent demand for recovered glass, the model will strengthen the recycling value chain and create new economic opportunities nationwide. 

Leveraging PETpro’s expertise in recycling logistics and TBL’s extensive distribution network, the collaboration aims to expand recovery and processing capabilities across Tanzania.  

The two companies will also work closely with government agencies, local authorities, and industry players to refine and extend the model. 

The announcement comes after TBL reported strong financial performance in 2024, with revenue rising 15 percent and operating profit increasing 23 percent, driven by solid beer and spirits sales alongside disciplined cost management. 

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