Astana, June 16, 2025
In the capital, at the site of NCE “Atameken,” the third award ceremony was held within the framework of the Smart Plastic Zone project — an environmental initiative aimed at reducing the plastic footprint and introducing sustainable practices in business. The project is implemented with the support of Coca-Cola Kazakhstan, the GreenUrban Association, and GPI-Lab.
A total of 11 organizations from various industries received awards at the third ceremony, including: one of the largest shopping malls — Dostyk Plaza, the hotels Hilton Astana, Rixos President Astana, Hilton Garden Inn, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU), Karaganda University of Kazpotrebsoyuz, the school AZMAR PREMIUM MEKTEBI, Café “Koktem,” the Charity Foundation “Өмір Сыйла,” the plant “Mir Upakovki,” and the beauty salon “Mon Blan.”
Yulia Yakupbaeva, Partner of GPI Group and Chairperson of the GreenUrban Association, noted:
“The project is becoming a movement: representatives from NKR and EKR are being added to the three major cities, Aktobe is very active, and we are waiting for the first participants from SKR. During the period of May–June 2025, the total area of SPZ facilities increased by 215,729 m². This shows that sustainable development and the circular economy are not just next to us — they are a business philosophy shared by more and more people and companies.”
“Responsible attitude towards plastic is already part of the business agenda. We see how society is moving from intentions to real actions, and many companies are incorporating environmental principles into corporate culture. The Smart Plastic Zone project helps them find practical solutions and share experiences — and this is its main value,” said Alexandra Akkirman, Director of Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability at Coca-Cola in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Smart Plastic Zone awards companies with GOLD and SILVER signs depending on the level of implemented environmental practices — from reducing plastic use to separate collection and transfer of waste for recycling.
Participants were also presented with project analytics regarding the sustainable practices used by companies, staff training, alternative materials used, and more. Companies, in turn, shared their own cases and supported the importance of this project.
One of the key moments of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Association of Commercial Real Estate Market Participants “QAZPROPERTY” and the Green Urban Association. The parties agreed to work together to promote environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable solutions in the urban environment.
“This strategic partnership opens new horizons for the introduction of green standards into Kazakhstani real estate. We are confident that the unification of the efforts of the professional community and sustainability experts will set a high benchmark of quality in the design and operation of the urban environment,” said Konstantin Glushko, Chairman of Qazproperty.
The focus of cooperation is the introduction of green standards in real estate, the development of Smart City and Urban Health concepts, the promotion of sustainable tourism, participation in the development and promotion of environmental and urban planning initiatives, as well as conducting educational activities aimed at increasing environmental culture among businesses, developers, and the general public.
The Smart Plastic Zone project is a step towards creating a sustainable future for Kazakhstan, and everyone can become part of it. Join in and make your contribution to saving the planet!
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