MCS

MCS Coca-Cola has set a goal to collect and recycle packaging equivalent to the bottles and containers it sells by 2030. As part of this journey, the company is working toward introducing products packaged in bottles made from 100% recycled materials, processed locally in Mongolia from raw material to final product.

To help enable the introduction of recycled packaging in Mongolia, MCS Coca-Cola launched a plastic sorting and collection awareness campaign in 2022, with the aim of encouraging responsible consumer behavior and supporting plastic collection efforts nationwide.

At a time when waste management systems in Mongolia were still developing, and when sorting waste at source and supplying recyclable materials to recycling facilities was not yet widely established among households and businesses, the initiative faced numerous challenges. In response, MCS Coca-Cola has been collaborating with the TML recycling plant and the plastic collection and logistics company SESL to help strengthen a nationwide plastic collection, transportation, and recycling value chain.

Over the past four years, these efforts have helped establish 1,610 partner locations across the country that sort and collect plastic at the source.

Each year, the company compares the volume of plastic collected with the volume of products sold. As of 2025, plastic collection has reached 50.2% relative to annual sales, reflecting continued progress toward the company’s collection ambitions.

To share its experience, MCS Coca-Cola has launched the “ROAD TO 100%” campaign, highlighting the path it has taken so far, the challenges encountered, and the progress achieved.
Because sustainable development is not defined by one-time solutions or quick wins, the campaign invites the public to explore how learning through trial, adaptation, and continuous improvement helps move these efforts forward over time.

ROAD TO 100%

2018
In Mongolia, annual consumption of plastic beverage bottles was estimated at approximately 18,000 tons. While a portion of used plastic had previously been exported, changes in international import policies led to a growing need to address plastic waste domestically.
During this period, an initiative brought together more than 200 bottling partners worldwide under a shared commitment to support waste reduction and recycling efforts.

2021
In response to local conditions, MCS Coca-Cola partnered with TML to support the establishment of a food-grade PET plastic recycling facility that meets international standards. The TML recycling plant officially began operations in 2021.

2022
MCS Coca-Cola announced its ambition to help collect and recycle plastic bottles equivalent to those used in its beverage products, and launched a national plastic collection awareness campaign in Mongolia.

At the time, around 60% of households disposed of plastic together with general waste. For many people, separating plastic was a new concept, and there was limited clarity around where sorted plastic could be delivered or collected, which reduced motivation to sort waste.

2023
To support the stable operation of the recycling facility and help ensure a consistent supply of raw materials, SESL (Save Earth Save Life) was established to focus on plastic collection and transportation. Efforts to encourage waste sorting at the source, expand collection points, and improve regular transportation of collected plastic were intensified.

2024
Although SESL reached out to many organizations with high plastic usage to propose cooperation, participation remained limited. Challenges related to consumer behavior, habits, legal frameworks, and infrastructure highlighted the need for continued, collaborative solutions.

2025
Among several public engagement initiatives, the “Recycle Me Interactive Hub” mobile education center was launched to raise awareness about the importance of plastic sorting and recycling. In addition, since 2022, plastic collection activities have been conducted annually at major public events such as the Playtime Music Festival, 3×3 basketball tournaments, and National Naadam celebrations near the Central Stadium.

2026
Today, the number of consumers who sort their plastic waste continues to grow. As a result of ongoing efforts, the foundations of a plastic sorting, collection, transportation, and recycling value chain are taking shape in Mongolia, reinforcing the idea that plastic becomes waste when discarded, but a resource when sorted.

Thus, MCS Coca-Cola Company has joined the global recycling movement implemented by the Coca-Cola system worldwide, and the historic milestone of introducing products with 100% recycled packaging to the market is drawing ever closer.

Did you know? MCS Coca-Cola has installed a “ROAD TO 100%” exhibition at the north bus stop near the Mongolian National University of Education. Visitors can receive plastic collection bags made from recycled materials at the exhibit. Once you have collected plastic, please remember to call 7610-7711 to arrange collection.

For the first time in Mongolia, a public–private partnership has enabled the reuse of treated industrial wastewater from MCS Coca-Cola LLC for the technological operations of Amgalan Thermal Power Plant. As a result, Amgalan Thermal Power Plant has become the first state-owned power plant in the country to implement a green solution, marking a historic milestone in advancing Ulaanbaatar’s energy and water management sectors. At the request of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group implemented a project between 2020 and 2024 with funding from the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF). The project confirmed the technical feasibility of using treated industrial wastewater from MCS Coca-Cola for the operational needs of the thermal power plant.

The two facilities are located 2.5 kilometers apart. To enable water delivery, MCS Coca-Cola invested MNT 3.5 billion of its own funds to install pipelines and additional equipment, which have been fully transferred to Amgalan Thermal Power Plant.

Amgalan Thermal Power Plant is the sole heat supply source for the eastern districts of Ulaanbaatar. From September 15 to May 15 each year, the plant will source 40 percent of its technological water needs from MCS Coca-Cola. This amounts to approximately 120,000 cubic meters of water annually, conserving groundwater resources equivalent to the average daily water consumption of 600,000 people.

Photo caption: Pipelines and additional equipment installed with an investment of MNT 3.5 billion.

While Amgalan Thermal Power Plant had already been reusing its own technological wastewater within its production processes, the addition of externally sourced treated wastewater from MCS Coca-Cola enables the plant to become a model facility with zero technological wastewater discharge.

MCS Coca-Cola LLC, recognized as a national “Water Steward” organization, has pursued environmentally responsible production policies for many years. As a pioneer in the food and beverage sector, the company commissioned its industrial wastewater treatment facility in 2010. Since then, it has treated 99 percent of all water used in production through membrane bioreactor technology and supplies the treated water free of charge to organizations for non-potable purposes.

A Historic Green Solution Introduced in the Water Management Sector

By reusing treated industrial wastewater to supply heat to the eastern districts of Ulaanbaatar, this initiative contributes to the development of a circular economy and green growth, delivering positive environmental, public health, and sustainable development outcomes, the partners emphasized.

Sh. Batbayar, State Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change:
“The Government is placing special emphasis on increasing the use of surface water and promoting water reuse. At a time when groundwater reserves are declining, we express our appreciation to these two organizations for demonstrating how the private sector can invest its own resources and work in partnership with the state. By conserving and reusing 500 cubic meters of groundwater per day, Amgalan Thermal Power Plant is making a highly commendable contribution to natural resource protection. We encourage the expansion of this technology across multiple sectors and invite other private enterprises to follow this example.”

B. Eren-Ulzii, State Secretary, Ministry of Energy:
“Today, through cooperation between the public and private sectors and international financial institutions, we are creating conditions to reuse wastewater for the technological needs of Amgalan Thermal Power Plant, thereby conserving groundwater resources. The Ministry of Energy supports the adoption of energy-efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly technologies. Located in the eastern part of Ulaanbaatar, Amgalan Thermal Power Plant supplies 13 percent of the city’s centralized heat demand. Ensuring reliable and uninterrupted heat supply in the world’s coldest capital city is a top policy priority—one that safeguards not only economic growth but also the lives and health of citizens.”

Z. Batbayar, Head of the Water Department:
“For the first time in history since Ulaanbaatar became a settled city, wastewater has been brought into circulation, opening a new chapter in our lives. Personally, I feel as joyful as a father holding his newborn child. By using treated wastewater from MCS Coca-Cola for the plant’s operations, households can enjoy greater comfort, and the sustainability of the city’s water supply is tangibly improving. This initiative goes beyond cooperation between two organizations—it safeguards drinking water security for thousands of children in future generations. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this project a success.”

M. Munkhuu, Chief Executive Officer, Amgalan Thermal Power Plant:
“We are pleased to inaugurate a project that conserves precious freshwater resources, reduces environmental pollution, and advances the goals of a zero-waste economy and green development. The feasibility study was funded by the Republic of Korea’s Green Growth Trust Fund, while the MNT 3.5 billion investment for construction and equipment was fully financed by MCS Coca-Cola as part of its corporate social responsibility—without any burden on the state budget.”

L. Myagmarjav, Chief Executive Officer, MCS Coca-Cola LLC:
“I served on the council of the World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group for nine years. At a time when water security is critical for the eastern districts of Ulaanbaatar, we have established a strong example of public–private partnership, with the private sector taking the lead and the state providing support. Through this collaboration, we are implementing a circular, zero-waste economy and the 3R principles—reducing water use, treating used water, and reusing treated water—in practice.”

Dr. D. Dorjsuren, Chair of the Board, Freshwater Institute:
“This project is a vital initiative for strengthening Mongolia’s water security and governance. Through science-based research, optimal solutions, and multi-stakeholder partnership, a green solution has been successfully implemented via public–private cooperation. I am confident that this experience of reusing wastewater in the energy sector will be replicated nationwide. My sincere gratitude goes to all who turned this vision into concrete action to protect the environment and preserve valuable resources for future generations.”

Photo caption: Fish can survive in industrial wastewater treated to a 99% purification level.

For reference, MCS Coca-Cola treats its industrial wastewater in compliance with:
• MNS 4943:2015 – Water quality requirements for discharge into the environment
• MNS 6734:2018 – General technical requirements for treated water intended for reuse

The treated water meets standards suitable for sustaining aquatic life and is used for road cleaning, landscaping, and irrigation of green spaces and parks. To further expand the use of treated industrial wastewater and protect groundwater resources, organizations can obtain water from MCS Coca-Cola between May 15 and September 15 each year.

MCS Coca-Cola launched a new awareness and education initiative on plastic recycling called the “Recycle Me Interactive Hub,” an educational center, starting in June this year. Since then, it has visited more than 10 high-traffic locations in the capital city and introduced 60,000 citizens the importance of plastic recycling.

The “Recycle Me Interactive Hub” mobile center was designed to be participatory and interactive, allowing visitors to experience and try the plastic recycling process in a realistic way. For example, visitors could take a virtual tour of the “TML Plastic” factory, learn about the life cycle of plastic bottles, explore environmentally friendly products reborn from water and beverage bottles, and physically take part in the plastic recycling process through a 10-step activity.

For the interior setup of the “Recycle Me Interactive Hub,” the company reused its physical sustainability report that had previously been exhibited at Shangri-La Mall. In addition, in line with its 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) environmental policy, it is notable as an eco-vehicle equipped with solar power systems that convert solar energy into electricity.

There is research indicating that around 20,000 tons of plastic waste from water and beverage bottles is generated in Mongolia each year. Last year, the “TML Plastic” factory collected and recycled 56% of this amount. Therefore, through this educational center, MCS Coca-Cola and the “TML Plastic” factory have continued to jointly implement an impact initiative to increase public participation, spread environmentally friendly attitudes, and help residents develop the habit of properly sorting plastic waste and disposing of it in designated bins.

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/ELMVtH7-6w4?si=FZkEff4kFQmw800q

Additionally, as part of MCS Coca-Cola’s core corporate social responsibility work, products packaged in 100% recycled plastic bottles—produced in Mongolia in accordance with global quality and standards from raw materials through the final stage—are expected to go on sale early next year.