Nestle Malaysia has launched the Milo Energy for Good campaign at SK Durian Burung in Kuala Terengganu on Nov 5, 2024.
The program is a partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to improve the school experience and learning journey of children by providing them with durable, eco-friendly school furniture and sports equipment made from recycled materials.
These materials are collected through the company’s waste collection and recycling ecosystem, namely The CAREton Project.
The campaign kicked off with four schools in the East Coast as the initial beneficiaries of this initiative, which will be extended progressively to all states.
Nestle is also donating computer equipment that will further help to elevate the learning experience in the participating schools..
SK Durian Burung headmaster Rashidi Abdullah @ Muhamad said as educators, their goal is to create an environment where students can thrive physically and mentally.
“We are constantly seeking sustainable ways to maintain and improve our school facilities. By utilizing recycled PolyAl materials, we can extend the lifespan of our infrastructure and sports facilities, ensuring their durability,” he said.
He said with the inclusion of a dedicated CAREton collection bin at the school, students will also have the opportunity to bring their used Milo packs from home and grow the habit of daily recycling, contributing to positive changes in their school environment.
“This project not only teaches them sustainability, but demonstrates the lasting improvements that can be achieved through their individual actions, equipping them with lifelong skills,” he added.
Nestle Malaysia Berhad chief executive officer Juan Aranols said the Milo Energy for Good exemplifies their commitment to sustainability and community support.
“Over the past 12 years, we have witnessed remarkable progress and positive change through The CAREton Project, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our partners, Tetra Pak and the community.
“With the launch of Milo Energy for Good, we are proud to join forces with MOE and AFN Sports to provide support to schools in need,” he said.
Aranols further emphasized the campaign’s objective of creating a positive and sustainable learning environment for students, ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive and succeed.
He also highlighted the significance of showcasing how these efforts directly benefit schools and communities.
“In addition to Milo’s focus on providing nourishing energy and providing the practice of sports, we believe that instilling a sense of responsibility and care for the environment is a form of empowerment for the younger generations.
“Through this, they are able to actively engage and contribute to the common task of building a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, starting from addressing the damaging consequences of waste pollution on the health of our precious ecosystems,” he said.
Following the pilot program launched in Terengganu, Nestle Malaysia aims to expand and scale up the program to reach many more schools through 2025 and beyond.
The CAREton Project’s successful partnership of many years with Tetra Pak Malaysia continues to recover used UHT packs and recycle them into PolyAl materials, which can be used for multiple purposes including light construction materials and eco–friendly furniture.
Since 2012, over 5,400 tonnes of used beverage cartons (equivalent to over 420 million UHT packs) have been collected to date from over 1,000 drop-off points nationwide (600 of which are schools) and brought into the company’s recycling system.
Today, through this initiative, students will be able to witness the direct outcome of on-going recycling efforts. At their schools, the children will find tables, chairs, and sports gear made from these recycled UHT packs, creating a safer and supportive environment for learning and personal development