Nestlé Malaysia and SWCorp Partner to Strengthen Plastic Waste Recycling ecosystem in Kedah

Nestlé Malaysia’s plastic collection, separation and recycling project (Project SAVE) is on track to reach 300,000 households by end of 2026

Kulim, May 19, 2026 – Reflecting its commitment to a waste-free future, Nestlé Malaysia is strengthening community-led recycling efforts in Kedah through Project SAVE (Segregate, Avoid, Value, Educate), marked by the Karnival Kitar community event. The initiative demonstrates how embracing Voluntary Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) projects can translate into tangible impact on the environment.

First introduced in 2020, Project SAVE is Nestlé Malaysia’s flagship voluntary recycling programme and the country’s largest EPR initiative, supporting household Separation-at-Source (SAS) through weekly door-to-door collection of dry mixed recyclables in collaboration with municipal councils, waste management concessionaires and private recyclers. Now scaled nationwide, the programme has reached approximately 260,000 households across nine cities. In 2025 alone, it diverted an estimated 15,000 tonnes of solid waste including 10,000 tonnes of plastic from landfills and oceans. Through Project SAVE and the Company’s broader sustainability efforts, Nestlé Malaysia remains committed to driving collaborative solutions that empower communities and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future.

Project SAVE expanded to Kulim in 2025 through a pilot with SWCorp, E-Idaman and ESH Resource. Since its launch, the Kulim pilot has collected approximately 100,000 kilograms of recyclables, including around 28,000 kilograms of plastics, through its dedicated weekly door-to-door collection programme.

Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, said, “The progress we have seen shows that effective recycling starts with strong partnerships and consistent systems on the ground. But systems alone are not enough – real change starts at home. We encourage all Malaysians to separate waste at home and make recycling part of everybody’s daily life because when small actions become habits, they can drive meaningful nationwide impact. At Nestlé Malaysia, our voluntary EPR approach reflects our commitment to supporting this shift towards a more circular and waste-free future.”

At the Karnival Kitar community event, this strengthened alliance to expand Project SAVE in Kulim was also marked through the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nestlé Malaysia and SWCorp, witnessed by Guest of Honour YTM Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah.

Tuan Khalid Bin Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of SWCorp, said, “Our collaboration with Nestlé Malaysia in Kulim underscores the importance of a well-structured collection system in enabling effective community recycling. Strong coordination among operational partners, local authorities and residents is critical to ensuring efficiency and sustaining participation over time. SWCorp remains committed to encouraging greater household involvement, which is essential to strengthening Malaysia’s recycling ecosystem and driving long-term impact.”

 

Held at SMK Taman Selasih, Karnival Kitar brought together residents, schools, local authorities, partners and community leaders through educational roadshows, interactive booths and activities to drive awareness and recognise community contributions.