Category: News

MCS Coca-Cola LLC has been ranked 22nd among Mongolia’s Top 100 Enterprises for 2023, in recognition of its significant contribution to national development, having paid MNT 70.7 billion in taxes to the state budget. In addition to delivering globally recognized brands to Mongolian consumers, the company is distinguished by its commitment to environmentally and socially responsible business practices.

MCS Coca-Cola locally bottles and produces 155 products across 19 brands, distributing them to consumers nationwide through a network of 17,000 business partners. In 2023, the company provided stable employment for 1,090 people.

The company has also commissioned the VIO MILLENIA Natural Mineral Water plant—the first Mongolian-made product to be produced and sold under the official Coca-Cola Company brand Vio. A total of MNT 55.6 billion was invested to enhance product quality, while MNT 194 billion worth of goods and services were procured from domestic businesses, providing substantial support to local suppliers.

MCS Coca-Cola LLC Implements a Comprehensive Environmentally Friendly Business Program

As part of its efforts to promote healthier consumption, MCS Coca-Cola has expanded its portfolio of sugar-free waters and beverages. In 2023, the company launched OOHA sparkling water and reduced sugar content across nine beverage products.

Within the framework of its comprehensive environmentally friendly business program, MCS Coca-Cola achieved the following results in the past year:

• 180,000 liters of water used in production processes were treated and reused for road cleaning and irrigation of green spaces;
• An amount of plastic equivalent to 40 percent of total plastic sales was collected and recycled;
• Through the use of environmentally friendly, smokeless steam boilers, greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by approximately 4,800 tons, contributing meaningfully to environmental protection and climate action.
• Through these initiatives, MCS Coca-Cola continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable business practices while supporting Mongolia’s economic growth and environmental well-being.

As part of a project implemented by the World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group, Amgalan Thermal Plant (state-owned company) and MCS Coca-Cola signed a memorandum of understanding to reuse MCS Coca-Cola’s treated factory wastewater as an additional water supply for the plant’s expansion.

Last year, after Amgalan Thermal Plant increased its installed capacity by 116 MW, its water demand rose and required an additional water source. Meanwhile, under its eco-friendly production policy, MCS Coca-Cola has been treating and reusing 99% of the water used throughout its production process since 2010.

This water is treated to a level where fish can live, and it has been used for non-drinking purposes such as road cleaning and irrigating green spaces. However, only 3–8% of the treated water is currently reused, while the remainder is discharged to the Ulaanbaatar Central Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Amgalan Thermal Plant fully supplies the heat demand of users in Ulaanbaatar’s eastern region. The World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group has found that if the plant begins reusing MCS Coca-Cola’s treated wastewater, it would not only help conserve natural water resources, but also significantly reduce the investment and operating costs required for water supply. Based on this, a feasibility study has been developed to build the connecting pipeline and related equipment to link the plant to this water source through a public–private partnership.

MCS Coca-Cola’s Treated Wastewater Will Cover 40% of Amgalan Thermal Plant’s Additional Water Demand

Ts. Uranchimeg, Head of the Natural Resources Policy Implementation Division at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change:
“If the work to connect a pipeline from MCS Coca-Cola’s factory to Amgalan Thermal Power Plant can be successfully implemented through a public–private partnership, Amgalan would become the first state-owned power plant to implement a green solution.”

M. Munkhuu, CEO of Amgalan Thermal Plant:
“Our plant is located less than 1 km from MCS Coca-Cola’s factory. Because we are so close geographically, implementing this environmentally friendly initiative that saves groundwater resources has many benefits. If the project is implemented through a public–private partnership, it would be possible to recover the costs over a five-year period.”

L. Myagmarjav, CEO of MCS Coca-Cola LLC:
“Our company follows the 3R principles: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse. Under our policy of reducing water use year by year, we built and commissioned our wastewater treatment facility with our own investment in 2010. Using our treated wastewater to support heat supply for the eastern region is, in our view, a major initiative to reduce groundwater usage and build a circular economy—treating used water and then reusing it.”

MCS Coca-Cola’s treated factory wastewater is expected to cover 40% of the additional water demand required for Amgalan Thermal Power Plant’s expansion. By reusing treated wastewater, this solution for supplying heat to the eastern zone of Ulaanbaatar has the potential to deliver multiple positive outcomes for the environment, public health, and sustainable development—supporting green growth through a zero-waste, circular economy approach.

MCS Coca-Cola LLC aims to introduce Mongolia’s first beverages packaged in recycled materials to the market starting next year. In support of this goal, MCS Coca-Cola LLC, TML Plastic Recycling Plant, and Total Distribution LLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Governor’s Office of Darkhan-Uul Province and the Provincial Education Department.

Darkhan-Uul Province has a relatively high consumption of bottled water and beverages due to its population density and urban lifestyle. Recognizing this, the province’s Development Program through 2030 includes measures to improve waste management systems. Under the cooperation framework, plastic waste will be accepted at the TML Plastic Recycling Plant’s collection point in Khutul , Darkhan-Uul Province. In addition, educational institutions at all levels will implement awareness and behavior-change activities related to waste separation and recycling.

Established in 2021 at the initiative of MCS Coca-Cola, TML Plastic Recycling Plant is a world-class facility dedicated to recycling plastic bottles from water and beverage products in line with international standards. Meanwhile, Total Distribution LLC, a subsidiary of the MCS Group, will handle the transportation of collected plastic waste as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

Darkhan-Uul is the first province to sign such a cooperation agreement. Going forward, similar memoranda will be signed with other provinces to expand plastic recycling efforts nationwide, as approximately 40 percent of water and beverage plastic waste originates from rural areas.

Plastic Collection Point in Darkhan:

Darkhan-Uul Province, Orkhon Street, 2nd Khoroo, Enkhtal Khutul, 45th Street

Through this partnership, Darkhan-Uul Province becomes an early regional participant in advancing Mongolia’s circular economy and supporting the “World Without Waste” vision.

MCS Coca-Cola Company and the plastic recycling TML plant announced the “Celebrate Naadam Without Plastic Waste” initiative for the second year and successfully collected 600 kg of plastic around the Central Stadium.

During the National Naadam Festival, tens of thousands of people gather, and an equivalent amount of plastic waste is generated. Therefore, this activity was organized to influence the habits of festivalgoers by encouraging them to reduce the volume of plastic and sort it for disposal in the RECYCLE ME eco bins of MCS Coca-Cola Company.

Additionally, a demonstration was set up to show the public the plastic recycling process, where recycled rPET material was made by hand and presented to visitors. T-shirts, bags, hats, and other items were also displayed to demonstrate that recycled plastic can become raw material for clothing.

MCS Coca-Cola Company’s Public Affairs and Communications Manager, E. Oyun-Erdene:

Our plastic bottle supplier, the plastic recycling “TML” plant, is responsible for collecting plastic. While we previously collected plastic equivalent to 47 percent of the beverages we sold, in the past year since launching the campaign our collection rate has increased to 61 percent. In other words, organizations, residential associations, and entertainment venues that sort plastic are now supplying it to us.

The plastic recycling “TML” plant is personally meeting with all places that generate waste to propose cooperation. Currently, out of 839 organizations that have signed agreements to supply plastic to the “TML” plant, about 390 have begun actual deliveries.

We would like to express our gratitude to the team of the City Maintenance Department for their support.

Moderator: E. Oyun-Erdene, Public Affairs and Communications Manager of MCS Coca-Cola Company

Panel Guests:
– Toirog foundation Founder Agnuush
– “Zero Waste Club” Founder D.Uuganzaya
– “Playtime” Music Festival’s volunteer work, green sustainability development director Sh.Banzragch
– “Спек материалс” Founder G.Erchissaran
– “Хуванцрын хаягдалгүй дэлхий” campiagn work influencer Ch.Ganjavkhlan
– “Монголын тогтвортой хөгжлийн гүүр” NGO’s President D.Ulziibileg

MODERATOR: HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL IN A GREEN WAY?

Agnuush

My connection with the Playtime festival dates back to 2002. When I first performed on stage with my band, I was a teenage girl with no understanding of environmentally friendly living or what it meant to be “green.” Starting this year, however, I have been working with the Toirog Foundation and the Playtime team to collect greenhouse gas emissions data. In this sense, I am happy that my participation now is far more meaningful and impactful than it was 20 years ago.

Ch.Ganjavkhlan

In April, while trekking toward the Himalayas, I observed a shared philosophy among climbers from many countries: “Nature should remain exactly as it was before we arrived.” During the long journey reaching 5,000 meters in altitude, we left no trash behind. By minimizing consumption to the absolute essentials, each person’s total load was only 20 kg. Inspired by that experience, I am carrying a trash bag with me at the Playtime grounds to take back all the waste I generate. If everyone takes responsibility for their own waste and leaves no harm to nature, that would be the true realization of a green Playtime.

D.Uuganzaya

There are many small, simple actions that can contribute to making Playtime greener. For my part, I refused single-use cups and plates and brought my own. If plastic containers must be used, they should be sorted without contamination. Throwing unclean plastic into bins contaminates other recyclables, so I carry it with me, rinse it with water, and then place it into the recycling container.

MODERATOR: IN YOUR OPINION, HOW MUCH ATTENTION IS PLAYTIME PAYING TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

Sh.Banzragch

Reaching today’s level of sustainability at the Playtime Music Festival is the result of 11 years of effort. We believe that our campaigns and initiatives are encouraging young people to adopt positive attitudes and behaviors. Last year, the festival directors traveled to Thailand’s Wonderfruit Festival to learn from their experience. Based on what they learned, this year they realized they could use recyclable materials for the tents and reduce waste themselves.

Ch.Ganjavkhlan

Compared to 10 years ago, today’s organization is very different. In recent years, tangible actions to protect the environment and support sustainability have been implemented — evident in the hundreds of sorting bins, recycled installations, and sanitation facilities. It is also important to acknowledge the volunteers who help users utilize these facilities.

D.Uuganzaya

We have noticed significant improvements in festival organization in recent years. This year, efforts to support sustainability and protect nature are visible in each tent’s activities and setup, which is commendable. At the same time, we believe it is our responsibility to support these initiatives through positive participation.

G.Erchissaran

As a chemist, I tend to rely on data when drawing conclusions. It is encouraging that starting this year, the Playtime festival is producing reports and statistics on its sustainability efforts. By quantifying greenhouse gas emissions, it becomes possible to reduce them further in the future. I am eagerly awaiting the final report and plan to compare it with next year’s results.

MODERATOR: HOW CAN PLAYTIME BECOME EVEN GREENER IN THE FUTURE?

Agnuush

The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 30% of ocean pollution, and ranks second in energy consumption worldwide. Therefore, festival participants are encouraged to buy second-hand clothing or repair what they already own to protect the environment at zero cost. This year, recycled cups from Spain were introduced in Mongolia, and I personally use them daily. Other young people should also bring their own cups, participate in the festival in an eco-friendly way without generating waste, and adopt this habit in everyday life.

D.Ulziibileg

One major step toward responsible consumption is distinguishing between real needs and desires. Around 40–80% of purchases are desire-driven and become unnecessary after only a few days. Yet producing these items consumes large amounts of water, energy, and transportation resources, contributing to environmental pollution. Therefore, before making a purchase, it is important to carefully consider whether there is a genuine need. It would also be beneficial to communicate the festival’s green goals and initiatives through social media so that attendees can prepare in advance.

G.Erchissaran

There is also a principle known as the 4Rs of environmentally friendly living: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Research shows that 99% of purchased items become waste within two seconds to six months. Therefore, refuse unnecessary purchases. Since cities often lack sufficient sorting bins, people are not accustomed to separating waste daily. Although sorting waste at the festival requires effort, we should respect those working to keep the environment clean by doing so. The biggest contributors to festival carbon emissions are energy and transportation. From next year, increasing the use of renewable energy should be encouraged. To reduce transportation emissions, attendees should consider using buses instead of private vehicles. Expanding public transportation capacity will ensure no one is left behind.

Sh.Banzragch

Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, this year’s focus has been on waste sorting, while future plans include addressing water conservation and other goals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cups, spoons, and forks — reducing single-use consumption and benefiting personal health.

D.Uuganzaya

Changing individual attitudes is not easy, but people often change by following others. If organizers create an eco-friendly atmosphere and participating organizations reflect environmental values in their presence, young people will naturally follow and adapt to that environment.