The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has partnered with Lesser App, a women-led Saudi tech startup, and the Global Environment and Technology Foundation (GETF) to enhance recycling efforts and reduce packaging waste in Saudi Arabia.
This collaboration is part of TCCF’s new Partnership for A Circular Tomorrow (PACT) initiative. With an initial $1 million grant, PACT invests in innovative solutions to empower waste workers and scale growth-stage waste enterprises across five countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Focused Recycling Programs in Riyadh and Jeddah
Under this initiative, Lesser App is leading PET plastic collection programs in Riyadh and Jeddah. Key efforts include:
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Door-to-door PET collection services
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Four community drop-off centers
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PET collection bins at six high-footfall mosques
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Logistics management and real-time tracking via the Sustainability Dashboard
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Stakeholder coordination throughout the rollout
Statements from Leadership
Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, said:
“Our support for Lesser App reflects our commitment to the Kingdom and the importance of empowering local organizations. We aim to create robust value chains, support informal waste workers, and advance innovative waste management solutions for a sustainable future.”
Mona Othman, CEO and co-founder of Lesser App, added:
“As a women-led tech startup, we are proud to drive environmental change and female leadership in sustainability. This collaboration lets us implement community-centric recycling models and showcase the value of inclusive solutions.”
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
The partnership directly supports Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals and aligns with the broader objectives of Vision 2030. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the PACT initiative includes Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in its first phase.
By combining technology, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, TCCF, GETF, and Lesser App aim to significantly increase PET plastic collection and promote responsible waste management across the Kingdom.
