Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka (CCBSL), in collaboration with Coca-Cola India and the International Cricket Council (ICC), has introduced an initiative featuring national flags made from recycled PET at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is jointly hosted by two nations. The flags of all 20 participating countries were prominently displayed during the national anthem ceremonies at various match venues, crafted exclusively from post-consumer recycled PET bottles. This initiative transforms discarded plastic into impressive displays of national pride and identity.
The concept originated during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 when Coca-Cola India pioneered the use of recycled PET flags in cricket, a feat later acknowledged by the Limca Book of Records. The initiative was expanded for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, hosted in the USA and West Indies, where each flag, measuring an impressive 35 meters by 20 meters, was constructed from around 11,000 post-consumer PET bottles. These materials were processed into recycled polyester fabric and yarn by specialized recycling partners.
This legacy gained further importance with Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament for the first time since 2012. The flags showcased at venues such as R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy symbolized a commitment that transcends cricket, reflecting a shared responsibility for the world’s major sporting events.
Mario Perera, Country Head for Sri Lanka and the Maldives at Coca-Cola Company, emphasized, “The communities and environments where we operate in Sri Lanka are not merely a backdrop for our business; they are our duty. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup provided a unique and highly visible platform to make a difference. The flags, made from discarded plastic bottles, when raised during the national anthem in front of millions, highlighted responsible business practices taking the forefront, which is precisely where it should be.”
Anurag Dahiya, Chief Commercial Officer at ICC, further commented, “Providing an outstanding tournament experience goes beyond the action on the field. Through our partnership with Coca-Cola and the #MaidaanSaaf initiative, we are committed to maintaining cleaner venues and promoting responsible practices, encouraging fans to engage actively in large sporting events.”
The recycled PET flag initiative is part of Coca-Cola’s extensive global sustainability efforts, which aim to ensure that all primary packaging is recyclable by 2025 and that 50% of materials used in its packaging come from recycled sources by 2030. In Sri Lanka, Coca-Cola Beverages continues to enhance sustainable practices within its operations, underscoring that responsible resource management is integral to the sporting industry.
