The sport that turned waste into sustainable trophies

The Whale Returnone of the most emblematic mountain bike competitions in Patagonia, closed its 2025 edition with an unprecedented environmental achievement: the transformation of 3,500 kilograms of plastic caps in the official medals received by more than 1,000 cyclists participants. This initiative, developed in alliance with Coca-Cola Andina Argentinarepresents one of the exercises of circular economy most significant in the field of Argentine sports.

The medals, manufactured by the company Ecolif specialized in sustainable products, they symbolize not only the sporting effort of the participants but also the concrete possibility of give a second life to waste. “This year we felt that one more step was necessary: ​​to make the finisher medals made of 100% recycled plastic,” explained Pablo Neme, organizer of the event.

A competition that reduces its environmental footprint

Beyond the medals, the Vuelta Ballenas implemented a comprehensive waste management system during the development of the competition. Along the route they settled strategic eco-points to recover PET bottles generated by participants and spectators.

“We close the circle: the runners hydrate, we recover the plastic and transform it into a symbol that everyone takes home,” Neme highlighted about the process that involved the entire cycling community in the environmental awareness .

The commitment of a strategic alliance

For Coca-Cola, this initiative is part of its global strategy “A World Without Waste”which seeks to collect and recycle the equivalent of 100% of its packaging by 2030. The company not only participated in the transformation of the medals, but also provided hydration for all athletes during the competition.

“We are proud to have accompanied such an emblematic competition, providing not only hydration, but also a concrete message about sustainability,” he said. Enrique Pérez EstevezSustainability and Public Affairs Manager at Coca-Cola Andina Argentina. “This action is an example of what we can achieve when companies, communities and sport work together for a better future,” he added.

A replicable model for Argentine sport

The successful experience of the Vuelta Ballenas creates a valuable precedent for other sporting events in the country. It shows that it is possible to combine the passion for sport with the environmental care through strategic alliances between the private sector and the organizers.

With this action, Vuelta Ballenas and Coca-Cola confirm that the innovation and collaboration can turn each sporting goal into a shared achievement for people and the planet, inspiring other competitions to follow this path of sustainable sport.