Beverage company Coca-Cola India made a significant announcement on Wednesday, unveiling its latest sustainability initiative with the launch of fully recycled PET bottles for its flagship Coca-Cola brand. This initiative is set to make a positive impact on both the environment and the Indian consumer market.
Sustainable Packaging for Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola India has taken a significant step towards sustainability by introducing fully recycled PET bottles for its iconic Coca-Cola brand. These bottles are available in pack sizes of 250 ml and 750 ml, and they are set to be distributed across various markets in the country. The move comes as part of Coca-Cola’s global commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
A Shift Towards Recycled PET
The newly introduced recycled PET bottles are manufactured using food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This material is recycled in accordance with the standards approved by both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for food-grade recycled materials. By repurposing recycled PET into new bottles, Coca-Cola aims to significantly reduce its reliance on virgin plastic for bottle production, thus contributing to a greener future.
Manufacturing Partnerships
The production of these sustainable bottles is a collaborative effort between Coca-Cola India and its bottling partners, Moon Beverages Ltd. and SLMG Beverages Ltd. This partnership highlights Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainable practices across its supply chain, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into every step of the process.
A Global Sustainability Initiative
Coca-Cola’s sustainability efforts are not confined to India alone. Globally, the company offers 100% recycled PET bottles in more than 40 markets as part of its broader goal to have bottles made with 50% recycled material by 2030. This initiative is part of the company’s broader sustainable packaging platform, which also includes a commitment to collect and recycle the equivalent of one bottle or can for every one sold globally by 2030. Furthermore, Coca-Cola aims to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025.
Regulatory Approval
It’s worth noting that the Food Safety Authority of India has approved the use of recycled PET in food packaging, ensuring that these sustainable bottles meet all the necessary safety standards.
Pioneering Sustainability in Southwest Asia
Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainability is not limited to India. In December 2022, Coca-Cola Bangladesh became the first market in Southwest Asia (SWA) to launch 100% rPET bottles. This forward-thinking move is a testament to Coca-Cola’s dedication to promoting sustainability across the entire SWA region.
A Sustainable Future in India
In India, Coca-Cola is making strides to expand its consumer base by introducing more affordable products and increasing its presence in retail outlets. As consumption of Coca-Cola’s beverages continues to rise across brands, the company acknowledges the importance of mitigating its impact on the environment.