18 February,2026 03:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Devendra Fadnavis kicked off the Mumbai Climate week on Tuesday, February 18. File pic
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for the collection and recycling of used PET bottles. This MoU marks a significant step towards promoting a circular economy.
The agreement between the Maharashtra Government and Coca-Cola was signed during Mumbai Climate Week in the presence of State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde. According to officials, this is the first time Coca-Cola has entered into such an MoU with a state government in India.
As per the officials, the Environment and Climate Change Department signed the agreement with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages to roll out the "Maha-rPET Campaign" across the state.
Furthermore, secretary Jayashree Bhoj and director of the State Climate Action Cell Abhijit Ghorpade formalised the agreements on behalf of the Maharashtra Government.
Under the campaign, structured PET bottle collection systems, awareness drives and information-education initiatives on responsible disposal will be implemented in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed and Palghar.
Collection facilities will be set up at retail outlets, hotels, workplaces and public places, with year-round coordination with schools, institutions and local self-governing bodies.
Officials, while briefing about the MoU, said that the public-private partnership aims to create a practical and community-centred PET waste management model, aligning policy oversight with on-ground execution to enhance sustainability and climate resilience.
The State Climate Action Cell signed an MoU with Climate Trade LLP to strengthen climate awareness, stakeholder engagement and capacity building, reinforcing implementation of Maharashtra's State Climate Action Plan.
During the event, Minister Munde also released two key guidance reports prepared by the State Climate Action Cell. A report developed in collaboration with the 'C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group' titled 'Net Zero Transition in Energy and Buildings in Maharashtra Cities' outlines a roadmap for climate-resilient urban development. Seven cities, including Mumbai, Amravati and Thane, have drawn up action plans focusing on net-zero municipal buildings and rooftop solar expansion.
Another report, prepared with the Centre for Water and Sanitation, titled Climate-Responsive WASH Services, offers practical guidance on climate-aligned water and sanitation delivery, highlighting circular economy practices, energy transition and inclusivity based on urban experiences in the state.
Officials said, "The agreements and reports will strengthen institutional capacity, improve inter-departmental coordination and position Maharashtra at the forefront of city-focused climate action, creating a replicable model for other states."
