Merlin pushes Coke recycling deal with 'bigger' VIP trips

Merlin Entertainments is offering a raft of VIP experiences at some of the UK’s best-known family attractions in exchange for recycling plastic bottles on the back of a multi-year sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola.

The promotion is now in its third year, although Merlin insists this year the prizes and “bigger and better”, and include a behind-the-scenes tour of Legend of the Trebuchet and private history tour at Warwick Castle, a Royal Box experience at the Blackpool Tower Circus, plus conquering the 127ft climb of one of the UK’s tallest rollercoasters, The Swarm at Thorpe Park.

To qualify for a chance to win, participants must recycle just one 500ml drink in the Coca-Cola machine from this week to September 6, with the vending machines available across 11 Merlin attractions, including Alton Towers Resort, Legoland Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Warwick Castle, Sea Life aquariums in Blackpool, Birmingham, Brighton, and London, The Blackpool Tower, and Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham.

Four extra machines have been installed across several attractions since last year to make them easy for guests to find and be in with a chance of winning special prizes. Machines can also be found by asking staff members at the attraction or using the individual attraction’s app, guiding guests through the parks to recycle their bottles and enter the VIP competition via a website printed on the receipt after recycling.

Coca-Cola GB marketing director Elodie Peribere said: “We share Merlin’s passion for entertainment, and goals for sustainability. Throughout the summer, guests at Merlin attractions will be able to recycle their plastic bottles using our reverse vending machines. We’re excited that, as well as being in with the chance to win some incredible VIP experiences, they’ll be helping us with our goal to recycle the equivalent of every can and bottle we produce.”

Merlin group sustainability director Dare Ilori added: “Plastic waste is a pressing environmental issue, and at Merlin, we are dedicated to raising awareness, and implementing effective and measurable solutions.

“Partnering with Coca-Cola for the third consecutive year on this impactful initiative, we are proud to inspire and educate our guests on the importance of reducing, returning and recycling plastic waste.

“Together, we are committed to fostering a sustainable future and safeguarding our planet. We’re delighted to help encourage our guests to recycle their plastic, by rewarding them with the chance to win exciting VIP experiences.”