Coca-Cola India has announced a groundbreaking initiative by introducing 100% Recycled PET (rPET) bottles in its Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP), starting with a rollout in Orissa. This strategic move underscores Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint within the beverage industry.
Manufactured in partnership with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. (HCCBPL), the ASSP bottles utilize recycled PET, achieving a substantial 66% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional virgin PET packaging. This reduction is attributed to both the lightweight nature of the PET material and the shift towards recycled materials.Alok Sharma, Executive Director of Supply Chain at HCCB, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “Introducing rPET in ASSP represents a pivotal step towards achieving plastic circularity and significantly lowering our environmental impact. It aligns with our broader vision to promote sustainable practices and lead the beverage industry towards a greener future.”
Enrique Ackermann, Vice President of Technical Innovation and Supply Chain at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding rPET usage across India. He remarked, “Our goal is to increase access to high-quality recycled plastic, driving a circular economy for packaging and advancing our ambitious World Without Waste targets.”This initiative reinforces Coca-Cola’s global sustainability goals, aiming for 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 and integrating at least 50% recycled material into packaging by 2030. By launching 100% rPET ASSP bottles, Coca-Cola India continues to set benchmarks in sustainable packaging practices, setting a precedent for environmental stewardship in the industry.
