Coca-Cola Philippines unveils first-ever green Fukien tea plant billboard

The 60 x 60 foot billboard, created by Momentum Philippines and brought to life by Starcom MediaVest Group Philippines, features 3,600 pots of Fukien tea plants outlining the shape of Coca-Cola's familiar bottle. It states that 'this billboard absorbs air pollutants'. The billboard is located on the Adriano Building, between the Makati City thoroughfares of Buendia and Kalayaan Avenues.

Botanist Anthony Gao explained that each plant can absorb up to 13 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, thus combining to absorb up to 46,800 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, helping to alleviate air pollution within the area.

The beverage giant pointed out that recycled old bottles of various Coca-Cola products were used for  the pots which were then filled with a mixture utilising industrial by-products and organic fertilisers. A micro-irrigation system was exclusively installed for efficient water distribution wherein water drips slowly to the roots of the plants through a network of valves, pipes, tubing and emitters.

Guillermo Aponte, president of Coca-Cola Philippines said, “We are proud that we have brought to life the first 'plant billboard' in the country. It is an embodiment of our company’s 'Live positively' commitment to making a positive difference in the world by incorporating sustainability into everything that we do. With this, we hope to inspire Filipinos to join us in our journey, because we know that together, we can make a positive impact." 

“We’re grateful for Coca-Cola Philippines’ commitment to a partnership with WWF, focusing on water stewardship and climate protection”, said Lory Tan, president and CEO of WWF. “Through these partnerships, we will work to help Coca-Cola Philippines achieve its Live Positively environmental targets and strive together towards environmental sustainability in the Philippines.”

Majo Tomas, head of Momentum, adds, “We wanted to create a campaign that will make an impact amidst Manila’s jungle of out-of-home ads. With the positive attention the plant billboard is getting, we are confident that we will fulfill the campaign’s ultimate objective- encourage Filipinos to be active participants in making a positive impact to the environment." 

Pepsi Philippines has also engaged in environmentally-friendly campaigns with the construction of the first school in Asia using recycled plastic bottles.