Merlin Entertainments has expanded its partnership with Coca-Cola for a new initiative that will reward guests with exclusive VIP experiences for recycling their used plastic bottles.
The scheme, which first launched in 2018, has seen 22 Coca-Cola “reverse vending machines” installed across nine Merlin attractions, including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Warwick Castle and several Sea Life centres.
The recycling machines allow guests to return any 500ml plastic bottle and input their details for a chance to win a range of exclusive experiences. Prizes include a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sea Life Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall, a shark dive at the Bear Grylls Adventure, a VIP white rhino encounter at Chessington World of Adventures and a green sea turtle feed and VIP tour of Sea Life Manchester.
The competition runs until September 30, with guests able to find the location of the machines on the attractions’ individual apps or by asking staff members.
“Sustainability is core to our operations at Merlin Entertainments,” said Dare Ilori, group head of sustainability at Merlin Entertainments.
“We’re continuing to progress against our sustainability ambitious, including removing unnecessary packaging and plastic on all our branded merchandise.
“In our SEA LIFE attractions we banned all plastic straws and retail plastic bags at the end of 2018, and in our UK resort theme parks we’re proud to now be operating with zero waste to landfill.
“We know that there is much more we can do though and that we have a role to play in enabling and encouraging consumers to reduce, return and recycle their plastic. This is why partnering with companies such as Coca-Cola is so important. The partnership is a fantastic example of Merlin working with like-minded business partners to help protect our planet for the future.”
Guests can win exclusive VIP experiences by recycling their plastic bottles at Merlin Entertainments attractions CREDIT: MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS