In a significant step towards sustainability, Coca-Cola India has announced the launch of fully recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles for its flagship Coca-Cola brand. These recycled bottles will be available in pack sizes of 250 ml and 750 ml across multiple markets in the country.
The initiative aligns with Coca-Cola’s global commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint. The recycled PET bottles are made from food-grade recycled PET, which adheres to the standards approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for food-grade recycled materials. This innovative approach repurposes plastic and reduces the demand for virgin plastic in the production of PET bottles.
Coca-Cola India’s recycled bottles are manufactured in collaboration with its bottling partners, Moon Beverages Ltd. and SLMG Beverages Ltd. These bottles not only contribute to environmental conservation but also support Coca-Cola’s efforts to offer more affordable packaging options in the market.
As part of its global sustainability goals, The Coca-Cola Company already offers 100% recycled PET bottles in more than 40 markets worldwide. This initiative is in line with the company’s commitment to achieve bottles made with 50% recycled material by 2030. Additionally, Coca-Cola aims to collect and recycle the equivalent of one bottle or can for each one it sells globally by 2030 and ensure that 100% of its packaging is recyclable by 2025.
In the Indian market, Coca-Cola is expanding its consumer base by introducing affordable products and extending its reach to more outlets. As the consumption of Coca-Cola beverages increases across various brands, the company recognizes the importance of addressing its environmental impact.
Enrique Ackermann, Vice President, Technical and Innovation, Coca-Cola India, and Southwest Asia, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, saying, “We seek to drive a circular economy for our packaging to reduce waste and carbon emissions. We’re working to increase recycled content in our packaging, expand our use of refillable bottles, and collect packaging for recycling through our World Without Waste initiative. We also research new packaging solutions. This expansion by Moon Beverages and SLMG Beverages underscores Coca-Cola India’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and its dedication to forging a more sustainable future.”
It is worth noting that the Food Safety Authority of India has approved the use of recycled PET in food packaging, affirming the safety and suitability of this approach.
In December 2022, Coca-Cola Bangladesh made a similar move by launching 100% recycled PET bottles, making it the first market in Southwest Asia (SWA) to introduce Kinley water bottles in one-litre packages. This initiative in India further solidifies Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainability across the region and the globe, as it actively contributes to reducing plastic waste and promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to packaging.