Nestlé Malaysia is reinforcing its commitment to creating a waste-free future by enhancing community-based recycling efforts in Kedah through its flagship Project SAVE (Segregate, Avoid, Value, Educate). The initiative was recently highlighted during the Karnival Kitar community event, showcasing how voluntary Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programmes can deliver meaningful environmental impact.

Launched in 2020, Project SAVE has grown into Malaysia’s largest voluntary EPR initiative and serves as Nestlé Malaysia’s flagship recycling programme. The project promotes household Separation-at-Source (SAS) practices through weekly door-to-door collection of dry mixed recyclables, implemented in collaboration with municipal councils, waste management operators and private recycling partners.

Today, the programme has expanded nationwide, reaching approximately 260,000 households across nine cities. In 2025 alone, Project SAVE successfully diverted an estimated 15,000 tonnes of solid waste from landfills and oceans, including around 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste. Through this initiative and its wider sustainability agenda, Nestlé Malaysia continues to champion collaborative solutions that empower communities and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In Kedah, Project SAVE was introduced to Kulim in 2025 through a pilot programme involving SWCorp, E-Idaman and ESH Resource. Since its implementation, the initiative has collected approximately 100,000 kilograms of recyclable materials, including nearly 28,000 kilograms of plastic, through a dedicated weekly door-to-door collection system.

Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, said the programme’s success demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships and efficient recycling systems. However, he emphasised that lasting environmental change begins at home. He encouraged Malaysians to practise waste separation and make recycling a daily habit, noting that small, consistent actions can collectively create significant nationwide impact. He added that Nestlé Malaysia’s voluntary EPR approach reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the transition towards a circular economy and a waste-free future.

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

SWCorp Chief Executive Officer, Tuan Khalid Bin Mohammed, highlighted the importance of a structured collection system in driving effective community recycling efforts. He noted that close coordination among operational partners, local authorities and residents is crucial to ensuring efficiency and maintaining long-term participation. He further reaffirmed SWCorp’s commitment to encouraging greater household involvement as a key factor in strengthening Malaysia’s recycling ecosystem and delivering sustainable, long-term environmental benefits.

Held at SMK Taman Selasih, Karnival Kitar brought together residents, students, local authorities, industry partners and community leaders through a series of educational roadshows, interactive exhibitions and engaging activities aimed at raising recycling awareness and celebrating community contributions towards environmental sustainability.