MILO recycles their used packs to give Malaysian schools new equipment

We’ve all grown up drinking MILO. Whether it’s a warm cup on a rainy day or that ice-cold fix after school sports, it’s more than just a drink—it’s a national treasure. But now, MILO is doing more than fueling our energy; it’s fueling a sustainable future with its brand-new MILO Energy for Good campaign, launched last month in Kuala Terengganu.

5,400 tonnes of cartons have been kept out of landfills

Nestlé Malaysia teamed up with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to unveil a project that’s as cool as it is green. The campaign takes something as ordinary as your used MILO packs and transforms them into eco-friendly furniture and sports gear for schools. Yep, that carton you almost tossed out could become a chair, a desk, or even a goalpost for students across the country.

The initiative kicked off at SK Durian Burung, where students are already seeing the magic of recycling in action.

Thanks to MILO’s successful partnership of many years with Tetra Pak Malaysia through The CAREton Project (Nestlé’s recycling program that’s been running since 2012), over 420 million used UHT packs have been collected and turned into PolyAl, a material that can be shaped into durable school furniture and light construction materials.

If you’re thinking, “Why does this matter?” let the numbers speak for themselves. To date, over 5,400 tonnes of cartons have been kept out of landfills. Instead, they’re now desks, chairs, and sports gear in schools, proving that sustainability doesn’t just help the planet—it directly impacts kids’ learning environments.

“As educators, our goal is to create an environment where students can thrive physically and mentally. We are constantly seeking sustainable ways to maintain and improve our school facilities. By utilizing recycled PolyAl materials, we can extend the lifespan of our infrastructure and sports facilities, ensuring their durability.”

Rashidi bin Abdullah @ Muhamad, the Headmaster of SK Durian Burung

Sports gear get a sustainable upgrade with Milo

It’s easy to overlook how something as small as a drink carton can make a difference, but this campaign is flipping that narrative. With every recycled pack, students are seeing how even tiny efforts can lead to big changes—cleaner schools, better learning spaces, and a healthier environment.

“Through this, they are able to actively engage and contribute to the common task of building a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, starting from addressing the damaging consequences of waste pollution on the health of our precious ecosystems.”

Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia Berhad

From Terengganu to the rest of Malaysia

This is just the beginning. Four schools in Terengganu are kicking off the campaign, but the goal is to roll it out nationwide by 2025. That means more schools, more recycling bins, and more kids learning about sustainability in the most hands-on way possible.

And let’s be real—seeing their old MILO packs turn into actual desks? That’s the kind of lesson that sticks.

“In addition to MILO’s focus on providing nourishing energy and providing the practice of sports, we believe that instilling a sense of responsibility and care for the environment is a form of empowerment for the younger generations.”

Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia Berhad

So how can you help? It’s simple: drink your MILO, rinse out the carton, and drop it off at one of the many CAREton collection points. Not only will you be helping schools, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce waste and protect Malaysia’s beautiful ecosystems.

This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement. It’s MILO showing us that every sip can make a difference, and that with a little effort, we can all contribute to something bigger than ourselves.

So, the next time you’re enjoying that iconic green-pack goodness, remember—you’re fueling more than your energy. You’re fueling a better future. To find out more or locate a collection point near you, visit MILO’s website. Let’s get recycling, Malaysia!