Control measures help reduce fake products

By CLARISSA MOI
Coca-Cola Amatil PNG Ltd says control measures introduced by the Government has helped to limit the issue of fake products in the market.
General manager Philippe Mandada told The National “we used to have a lot of issues a long time ago”.
“But when the Government implemented certain taxes and certain control, most of it disappeared which was very good for all the stakeholders,” Mandada said.
“But from time to time, some issues pop up.
“We have a lot of feet on the ground, a lot of salesmen, those who have eyes on counterfeit products and are reporting it so pretty much, we are on top of it.
“We cannot control it fully but if we can detect some, our role is to report it and collaborate with the authorities and to ensure it doesn’t continue.”
On the company’s plans, he said: “As we go along, we are investing more and we are building more capabilities.
“We are building a new warehouse in Lae to be able to deal with those volumes.
“We are building new offices to support operations.
“The new warehouse and office will be built at the same location in Lae.
“We will just reshuffle.
“So it’s a great period.”
On the banning of single-use plastic bags, he said the company did not use plastic bags.
“However, plastic is a big issue and we have to deal with that,” he said.
“We do not use plastic bags but we do produce some beverages using plastic bottles.
“So we are working together with the industry through the manufacturers’ council and thinking as an industry of ways to recycle it.
“Hopefully, we will have a facility in PNG to recycle plastic in the future.
“It’s not the case today.
“It’s probably something the Government should invest in.
“We will be committed in our part to recycle the bottles and handling the bottle at the plant.
“But that is something as an industry we are interested in to engage with the Government to find ways to recycle plastic.
“Most of our beverages here in PNG are sold in cans.
“Aluminum is nice because it is pretty much recycled.”