INTERVIEW - NINA ELEZOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND SUSTAINABILITY AT COCA-COLA HBC SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
That ESG is not merely a passing communication platform but a strategic decision shaping the future of business is confirmed by the progress of numerous multinational companies, not only in implementation but also in the way ESG principles are reported. As a global leader in its industry, Coca-Cola HBC has gone a step further by integrating sustainability into its core corporate values, with employees acting as ambassadors of sustainable practices in their everyday work. In Serbia and Montenegro, local teams continue to push boundaries in environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible market behavior. In an interview for Bizlife, Nina Elezović, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Montenegro, explains how environmental commitment and business growth can go hand in hand.
You have been with Coca-Cola HBC for more than a decade and have had the opportunity to follow the evolution of sustainability principles. How does a vision evolve into a culture and everyday sustainability practices?
A culture of sustainability begins with personal responsibility and is built through everyday decisions. If today you show your child how to properly sort waste, you have helped them make the right decision. However, if you also explain that the same waste can gain a new life through proper disposal and recycling, you have helped them take the first step toward building a culture of responsible behavior. The same applies to large systems. With a clear vision, small steps gradually grow into everyday employee behavior. Collective change begins with individual examples. This is also evident in trends such as artificial intelligence, which is rapidly changing the way we think and solve challenges, while learning responsible behavior toward nature changes how we use resources, produce and distribute products, and ultimately manage resources and waste. Sustainability is the foundation of our business and a way to demonstrate how far our vision extends toward the future we aim to build together with our employees, customers, and suppliers.
If we look at the results of your latest Sustainability Report, you have made significant progress in reducing harmful emissions, managing water resources, and achieving energy savings. Which achievements would you particularly highlight?
