The official launch of Phoenix Beverages Group’s first Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) took place at the historic Mauritius Glass Gallery site in Pont Fer, in the presence of the Honourable Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change.
This key initiative, part of the PhoenixEarth Initiative, marks a significant milestone in the Group’s sustainability strategy and signals the beginning of a new chapter in advancing circular economy practices internally. The RVMs are designed to automate the collection of PET bottles and aluminium cans, encouraging over 1,750 employees and visitors to adopt responsible sorting and recycling habits at source. Staff will be rewarded internally as part of an incentive-based system. The project embodies the philosophy of “starting from within,” integrating sustainable practices into daily operations across production sites.
“PhoenixEarth is not a one-off campaign. It’s a culture we live daily and extend across every level of the company. These machines are a symbol of our commitment to act with coherence and ambition. Following our acquisition of Seychelles Breweries, Phoenix Beverages Group is becoming ‘One Group, One Sustainability Culture’,” said Bernard Theys, CEO of Phoenix Beverages Group.
The launch ceremony highlighted the value of public-private-community collaboration in ecological transition. In her opening speech, Yanessa Hurree, QSE & Sustainability Manager, reflected on the Group’s long-standing environmental commitment, noting that “this initiative stems from a legacy that dates back over 30 years to the founding of Mauritius Glass Gallery in 1991, well before sustainability became a formal concept.” PhoenixEarth, she emphasised, carries that pioneering spirit into the present.
Gerard Merle, Senior Manager for Technical Operations & Sustainability, presented the Group’s ESG strategy and achievements across its three pillars:
- Environment: energy reduction, water recovery, waste management, and awareness campaigns like “World Without Waste”, “I am Recyclable: Boutey Retourne, Boutey Resikle” and “RGB: Boutey – Retourne, Nu Repran Li”
- Social: inclusion of employees, educational partnerships, and community engagement
- Governance: performance tracking, regular audits, and alignment with international standards
The RVMs serve as both practical and educational tools, encouraging behavioural change while contributing tangible environmental benefits.
Minister Rajesh Anand Bhagwan commended the initiative, saying, “These Reverse Vending Machines pave the way for a new form of automation aligned with the government’s strong environmental commitments. Waste sorting at source, recycling, and circular economy practices are no longer optional – they are key priorities outlined in the 2025–2029 governmental programme. The PhoenixEarth Initiative is a strong step in this direction, promoting simple yet powerful actions among employees and the wider community and advancing the cause of responsible consumption.”
This launch marks just the beginning. Bernard Theys also announced the extension of the initiative to Rodrigues, including the rollout of sorting bins and the progressive ESG alignment of regional entities such as Edena Boisson in Reunion Island and Seychelles Breweries. All operational sites will be brought under the PhoenixEarth culture to ensure strategic consistency across all regions.
About the PhoenixEarth Initiative
PhoenixEarth is the ESG framework of Phoenix Beverages Group, created to structure and amplify the Group’s environmental, social, and governance impact. It focuses on four key pillars:
- Waste reduction and promotion of the circular economy
- Social inclusion through community and educational initiatives
- Natural resource optimisation and carbon footprint reduction
- Responsible, transparent, and measurable governance practices
The initiative aims to unite all entities of the Group under a shared vision for sustainable development, while maintaining local relevance and responsiveness.
About Phoenix Beverages Group
Phoenix Beverages Group is a historic industrial player in Mauritius, operating in the beverage sector for over 70 years. Its slogan “Thirst for the Best” reflects its dedication to quality, while “First for You” highlights its commitment to serving consumers responsibly. Today, the Group places sustainability at the heart of its innovation and growth strategy.
