Heineken® turns glass into grass with New Green Zones in Durban and Cape Town

• Heineken®’s mission to transform South Africa’s urban landscapes has hit new highs with the launch of two fresh Heineken® Green Zones at Durban’s Sisonke City Farm and Cape Town’s Lavender Hill.
• Part of the global “Brew a Better World 2030” commitment, these urban oases are about more than just pretty parks—they’re designed to empower communities, improve public spaces, and make fields “green with grass, not glass” by swapping pollution with greenery and giving single-use glass a sustainable second life.

In a country where urban spaces are expanding faster than ever, Heineken® ’s Green Zones (HGZ) project is all about creating safe, eco-friendly, and accessible spaces where people can relax, connect, and grow. This new green space launch builds on the success of three earlier Green Zones in Johannesburg, and Cape Town, each showing how urban green spaces can be a powerful equaliser in communities that lack access to clean, green areas.

“This project isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope, health, and pride in places that need it most,” said Bhavna Mistry, Senior Brand Manager, Heineken®.

“With Green Zones, we’re building spaces that will help generations enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive South Africa.”

Sisonke City Farm: Urban Farming Meets Green Zone Magic in Durban

A beacon of resilience and sustainable agriculture, Sisonke City Farm in Durban was born during COVID-19 as a way to support food security in the community. It is an incredibly inspiring story – the farm was created initially by those without homes during the pandemic. Now, Heineken® ’s Green Zone project has taken it to the next level, adding infrastructure like a nursery, water catchment systems, and an amphitheatre for educational events and workshops. With its lush biodiversity garden featuring native medicinal plants and productive fruit trees, Sisonke is more than a green space—it’s set to grow into a thriving ecosystem and a model for sustainable urban agriculture that showcases Heineken® ’s commitment to the circular economy.

Locals and restaurants in Durban benefit directly, as food waste from hotels is composted onsite, turning waste into fuel for fresh produce. With Heineken® ’s backing, Sisonke City Farm is showing what’s possible when community spirit meets sustainable design.

Lavender Hill’s ‘Rise Above Development’ (RAD): A Sanctuary in the Heart of Cape Town

In Lavender Hill, a community known for its resilience in the face of hardship, the new Heineken® Green Zone at the Rise Above Development (RAD) Centre is bringing fresh hope. Designed as a safe, welcoming space amidst a challenging environment with poverty and crime commonly associated with the area, the RAD Green Zone features an array of over 600 native plants, a rain-sheltering pergola, and unique murals and art installations that celebrate creativity and community pride.

With its purpose-built vegetable garden, sports facilities, and music hall, this spot offers more than just a place to gather. It provides a place to grow, learn, and connect. By partnering with residents in the design and building process, Heineken® ensures the zone reflects the values of the community it serves.

A Global Commitment: Brew a Better World 2030

The Heineken® Green Zones project is part of a broader commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive spaces across the globe. Through its “Brew a Better World 2030” mission, the global company is leading the way in environmental and social sustainability.

This year in the brand’s quest to reduce single-use glass, Heineken® introduced the 650ml returnable STAR bottle, cutting down on glass waste while encouraging a culture of recycling.

Heineken® ’s commitment extends even further, with a creative twist: part of the single-use glass collected is repurposed into exclusive Waste2Wear jewellery and homeware, now cult collectables among fans. These items represent the transformation possible when waste becomes something beautiful and sustainable, embodying the HGZ ethos of “fields green with grass, not glass.”

Building a Future for All

Heineken® ’s Green Zones will continue to expand, empowering communities to reclaim public spaces, improve urban health, and learn more about sustainable practices. By bringing together communities and nature, these new Green Zones are set to become beloved green havens for generations to come.

For more information about the Heineken Green Zones project, please contact: heineken@jnpr.co.za

Source: Briefly News