Fraser & Neave Holdings (F&N), in collaboration with three other industry partners, has announced the launch of a reverse vending machine (RVM) pilot project in Malaysia.

F&N's three industry partners are Singaporean technology company Grab, the Malaysia-based Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), and KLEAN.

This F&N-led pilot project aims to encourage Malaysian consumers to recycle more and thereby bring sustainable change to the country.

Under the pilot, which is set to run for six months, the involved companies have installed a total of 18 RVMs across various strategic locations within Klang Valley.

All the 18 RVMs will be fully operational and allow consumers to recycle their plastic food containers, aluminium cans, as well as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

F&N Communications, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability director Karen Tan said: “The partnership with Grab Malaysia, KLEAN and MRANTI is an opportune time for us as part of our strategy to continue working closely with partners in the public and private sector on environmental initiatives.

“Together, we strongly believe that the community at large will be agents of change that will work towards building a greener nation.”

The collection of these bottles, containers, and cans will be carried out by Asasrama, a certified processor which specialises in the post-consumer and post-industrial plastic recycling business.

Grab Malaysia managing director Adelene Foo added: “From a consumer standpoint, contributing is simple: deposit rinsed plastic food containers, scan the RVMs’ QR code, and redeem vouchers using collected KLEAN points.”

Once collected, this waste will be recycled into new raw materials, including polypropylene and PET pellets or flakes.

Malaysia Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad said: “Our ministry is working on many fronts to phase out single-use non-biodegradable plastics. In line with the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030, we are committed to promoting alternatives and sustainable substances in plastic production.

“The RVMs introduced through this collaborative effort not only aligns with our roadmap’s goal but also provides an avenue for both businesses and consumers to realise the desired change.”