The Coca-Cola Company announced new voluntary environmental targets on Monday. A key focus is on packaging sustainability. The company aims to increase the use of recycled materials in primary packaging (plastic, glass, and aluminum) to 35-40%, with a specific goal of 30-35% for recycled plastic.

Source: PackagingStrategies

Another significant goal is to ensure the collection of 70-75% of bottles and cans sold annually. The company recognizes the role of various packaging formats, including refillable options, in reducing waste and emissions.

The company offers beverages in a variety of packaging formats – glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans and refillable packaging.

The collection and recycling of beverage packaging remains challenging, as every state and country has unique systems, infrastructure, regulatory environments and sets of consumer behaviors. Collective action is needed to support packaging collection infrastructure and policies. The company will continue to focus on increased advocacy for well-designed collection systems, as these are often the most efficient ways to improve packaging collection rates.

Design:

• Recyclability: Ensuring that almost all primary packaging is recyclable.
• Recycled Content: Increasing the use of recycled materials to reduce emissions and minimize virgin plastic usage.

Partner to Collect:

• Infrastructure: Supporting the development of collection infrastructure to improve recycling rates.
• Refillable Packaging: Investing in refillable packaging where infrastructure already exists.

By focusing on these areas, Coca-Cola aims to make significant strides in reducing its environmental impact.