Coca-Cola is using the upcoming Olympics in Beijing as a chance to further expand its recycling initiatives.

The drinks company will be working with the official pin licensee in China to produce Coca-Cola branded Olympic pins from the leftover steel used in the construction of the Beijing National Stadium, which will host the opening ceremonies of the games.

"By using leftover steel from the Bird’s Nest construction in the manufacture of Coca-Cola pins, we are bringing people closer to the Olympic Games experience, and supporting the pursuit of a Green Olympics," said David Brooks, Vice-President and General Manager of the Coca-Cola Olympic Project Group. "It was an honor to host our guests in Atlanta and receive this beautiful memento of our involvement with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games."

Earlier this year, Worldwide TOP Partner The Coca-Cola Company hosted a delegation from China, including the team responsible for building the landmark Beijing National Stadium and BOCOG, at its global headquarters in Atlanta. The Chinese team presented a gift of a section of steel weighing over 500 kilograms which came from the same batch as used in the construction of the stadium.