When the Festival lights go out, the results remain: More than 59 tonnes of waste collected for recycling during the Sarajevo Film Festival

The final screening has ended, the red carpet has been rolled away, and the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival has once again demonstrated that major events can leave an impact that goes beyond the art of film. Thanks to the joint efforts of the organisers, partners and visitors, more than 59 tonnes of waste were collected during the eight days of the Festival as part of Coca-Cola’s “Recycle Me. Give Me a New Life.” initiative and sent for further recycling.

At 21 Festival locations, where 21 sets of waste-sorting bins and six sets of barrels were installed, Festival visitors and citizens disposed of plastic, cans, glass, paper and mixed waste, demonstrating that good habits and sustainability have already become an integral part of the Festival experience. A total of 2,7 tonnes of PET packaging, 350 kilograms of cans, 32,9 tonnes of glass, 6,4 tonnes of paper and cardboard, and 16,5 tonnes of mixed waste were collected.

This year’s results further confirm the importance of the partnership that Coca-Cola in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Sarajevo Film Festival have nurtured for 30 years. Over the past three decades, they have jointly contributed to the development of the region’s largest film festival and, for the past six years, to creating more sustainable Festival practices that leave a positive impact on the community.

“Six years ago, we launched the ”Recycle Me. Give Me a New Life.” initiative at the Sarajevo Film Festival, driven by our belief that partnerships can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Over the past 30 years, we have invested in a partnership that has enabled the Sarajevo Film Festival to grow into a platform that can demonstrate how major events can be organised responsibly and with respect for the environment. We are proud that this year saw the largest amount collected to date, and that through the “Recycle Me. Give Me a New Life.” initiative, we continue to contribute to the Festival’s identity and development. If together we have encouraged thousands of people during the Festival to think about where they dispose of a bottle, can or piece of paper, then we have achieved much more than a successful initiative. When a partnership inspires a step towards adopting good habits that remain even after the Festival ends, we know that together we are creating value that extends far beyond the eight days of the Festival,” said Igor Zgrabljić, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola HBC Adria.

After the final screening ends and the Festival curtain comes down, what matters most remains – habits that continue to be practised even after the Festival. Through the “Recycle Me. Give Me a New Life.” initiative, Coca-Cola in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to pursue its long-term strategic commitment to sustainability, with a particular focus on the responsible management of packaging after use. Developing partnerships, investing in waste-sorting infrastructure and encouraging citizens to adopt more sustainable habits are part of the company’s broader vision to contribute to resource conservation and the development of a circular economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Since the initiative was launched at the Sarajevo Film Festival in 2021, more than 200 tonnes of waste have been collected for recycling through the “Recycle Me. Give Me a New Life.” project. All collected waste was managed in cooperation with KJKP RAD and Ekopak, while recyclable materials were sent for further recycling.