Coca-Cola is doubling its use of single-use plastic and eliminating it

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Dec. 2, The Coca-Cola Company, a leading member of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, released a statement after negotiations on the U.N. plastics treaty concluded without a consensus goal The company’s mission is to use more reusable packaging and reduce the use of virgin plastic. Instead, the company announced that it would now seek to “increase the use of recycled plastic to 30 to 35% globally” by 2035 and “to help ensure that 70 to 75% of the equivalent number of bottles and cans are collected.” annually.” A higher proportion of recycled plastic, when used to make single-use plastic, will not reduce the company’s overall plastic consumption. The company achieved the following goals (which were reported in the company’s 2023 environmental update in August):

• “By 2030, at least 25% of our beverages worldwide should be sold in volume in refillable/reusable glass or plastic bottles or in drinking fountain dispensers with reusable packaging.”
• “Reduce our use of virgin plastic from non-renewable sources by a total of 3 million tons from 2020 to 2025.”

In response to this development, Oceana released the following statement from Matt Littlejohn, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives:

“Coca-Cola’s decision to double its use of single-use plastic – defeating its goals to reduce virgin plastic and increase reusable packaging – is short-sighted, irresponsible and deserves widespread condemnation from its customers, its employees, its investors, and governments are concerned about the impact of plastics on our oceans and our health.”

“Coca-Cola’s new policy makes it likely that billions of single-use plastic bottles and cups will continue to flow into our waterways and oceans. Oceana estimates that if Coca-Cola meets its commitment to reach 25% reusable packaging by 2030 (up from the current level of 14%), it will avoid producing over 100 billion 500ml single-use plastic bottles and cups and This could ensure around 8.5 to 14.7 billion plastic bottles and cups could be prevented from entering our waterways and seas.”

“The company’s new and weak recycling promises will have no impact on overall plastic consumption. As the world’s largest plastic polluter – according to the Break Free From Plastic Brand Audit – Coca-Cola has a responsibility to take real responsibility for the waste and pollution it creates. Instead, it throws the plastic bottle back down the street and into the sea. Coca-Cola investors and governments around the world should take note and take action to hold the company accountable.”

Oceana is the largest international advocacy group dedicated exclusively to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding rich and diverse oceans by enforcing science-based policies in countries that control a quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories stopping overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of endangered species like turtles, whales and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns deliver results. A restored ocean means 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to find out more.

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