The Coca-Cola Company Introduces Bottles Made from 100% Recycled Materials* in the United States

Rhea-AI Summary

The Coca-Cola Company has unveiled a new 13.2oz bottle made from 100% recycled plastic (rPET), starting its launch in select U.S. states including Florida and California. This initiative, part of the company's move towards sustainability, aims to reduce new plastic usage by over 20% by 2022 compared to 2018 levels. Alongside Coca-Cola, brands like DASANI and smartwater will also transition to 100% rPET bottles. This change is expected to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 10,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing over 2,100 cars from the road.

Positive

• Launch of a new 13.2oz bottle made from 100% recycled plastic, reducing plastic waste.
• Transition to 100% rPET across multiple brands, underscoring commitment to sustainability.
• Expected reduction of 10,000 metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Negative

• None.

The Coca-Cola Company announced today in the United States the introduction of a new 13.2oz bottle made from 100% recycled plastic material (rPET)*. This new bottle will be available first in the company’s biggest and most iconic brand: Coca-Cola®. In addition, the company announced today in the U.S. the transition to bottles made from 100% recycled plastic material* across a selection of brands in the portfolio, including DASANI® and smartwater®, which will be available in various package sizes this year. The moves are a substantial step in addressing plastic waste, among the top environmental concerns globally, reducing the company’s use of new plastic by more than 20% across the portfolio in North America compared to 2018.

All-new 13.2oz bottles made from 100% recycled plastic material (does not include the bottle's cap and label) (Photo: Business Wire)

Starting this month in select states in the Northeast, Florida and California, Coca-Cola Trademark (Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar, Coca-Cola Flavors) will roll out the all-new, 13.2oz bottle made from 100% rPET*. The new bottle is conveniently sized in a more sippable package and reduces the use of new plastic. This summer, the 13.2oz, 100% rPET* bottle will roll out across additional sparkling beverage brands nationwide.

As part of a portfolio approach, 20oz bottles made from 100% rPET* are being introduced across Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Flavors beginning this month in California and New York and will continue to roll out this Spring in Texas. DASANI and smartwater will follow suit, introducing 20oz bottles made from 100% rPET* in March and July, respectively. Finally, in February, people in select markets will see a new 13.2oz clear bottle from Sprite, also made from 100% rPET*. The clear package makes it easier for bottles to be recycled and remade into new bottles. All Sprite packaging will transition to clear packaging by the end of 2022.

“Given our scale and resources, we realize our unique opportunity and clear responsibility to make a positive difference in the global plastic crisis, bringing us closer to our ambitious World Without Waste goals,” said Alpa Sutaria, Vice President and General Manager, Sustainability, North America Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company. “Plastic is a valuable packaging resource and these innovations in the U.S. represent meaningful action that focus not just on what goes into the bottles, but on innovation of the bottles themselves.”

In 2018, the company pledged robust World Without Waste goals to collect and recycle the equivalent of a bottle or can for every one the company sells by 2030, to make 100% of packaging recyclable by 2025 and to use 50% recycled material in bottles and cans by 2030. By introducing 100% rPET bottles* in the United States, this marks a total of 19 markets globally offering recycled packaging. Using internal company tools and analyses, it is estimated that in the United States, these innovations represent a 10,000 metric tons reduction in GHG emissions annually – the equivalent of taking 2,120 cars off the road for one year.

Amidst this rollout, The Coca-Cola Company aims to inspire everyone to join in reducing waste, with the largest on-package messaging effort by the company to-date. Each 100% rPET package* will feature on cap messaging, as well as a “Recycle Me Again” message on the label to encourage people to take action and recycle their bottles so that they can be remade into new ones, supporting closed-loop recycling systems and circular economies.

For more information on the new 13.2oz bottles and this 100% rPET announcement visit: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/news/packaging-sustainability-in-united-states.

*Does not include the bottle’s cap and label

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. Our portfolio of brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and other sparkling soft drinks. Our hydration, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak, Honest and Ayataka. Our nutrition, juice, dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210209005261/en/

FAQ

What is the new bottle announcement by Coca-Cola on KO?

Coca-Cola announced the introduction of a new 13.2oz bottle made from 100% recycled plastic (rPET) as part of its sustainability efforts.

When will Coca-Cola's new 100% rPET bottles be available?

The new 100% rPET bottles will start rolling out this month in select states such as Florida and California.

How much will Coca-Cola reduce plastic use with the new bottles?

Coca-Cola aims to reduce new plastic by over 20% across its North American portfolio.

What environmental impact does Coca-Cola expect from the new bottles?

The company expects a reduction of 10,000 metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to taking 2,120 cars off the road.

Which brands will feature the new 100% rPET bottles?

Brands including Coca-Cola, DASANI, smartwater, and Sprite will introduce 100% rPET bottles.