The Coca-Cola Company has revealed a bold new sustainability plan that aims to tackle some of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The updated goals target three key areas: water conservation, packaging waste reduction, and lowering emissions. Coca-Cola also emphasizes collaboration as a crucial part of the solution.
Water plays a vital role in both Coca-Cola’s operations and global ecosystems. The company aims to replenish more than 100% of the water it uses in its products. This effort focuses primarily on high-risk areas where water security faces significant challenges.
Coca-Cola has identified over 200 high-risk locations, representing about a third of its global operations. The company plans to return 100% of its water to nature and local communities for each.
To guide its work, Coca-Cola completed a detailed analysis in 2024. This assessment highlighted facilities most vulnerable to water scarcity. The company will review this risk profile every five years to ensure its strategies remain effective.
Coca-Cola also continues its broader water stewardship initiatives. It plans to increase efficiency, promote sustainable water use, and treat and return safe water to communities, addressing water challenges from multiple angles.
Packaging is another central area of focus. Coca-Cola recognizes its responsibility to reduce waste and promote sustainability in its containers. It aims to use 35%-40% recycled materials in its primary packaging.
This effort involves plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass containers. The company also plans to boost the global use of recycled plastic to 30%- 35%.
These targets depend on enabling policies and improved collection infrastructure.
Coca-Cola has committed to collecting 70%-75% of the bottles and cans it puts into the market each year. This ambitious goal highlights the company’s focus on a circular economy.
It also aims to expand refillable packaging in regions where infrastructure supports it.
The company continues to innovate in packaging design. Over 95% of its primary packaging is recyclable, but Coca-Cola wants to improve this figure further. It is also exploring new technologies to reduce its reliance on virgin materials.
Improving collection systems remains a challenge. Coca-Cola highlights the need for collaboration with governments, businesses, and local communities.
The company hopes to improve recycling rates worldwide by advocating for well-designed systems.
Reducing emissions is equally essential. Coca-Cola plans to align its climate actions with a 1.5°C trajectory. This commitment includes cutting emissions across its entire value chain.
The company targets emissions from Scope 1, 2, and 3, which cover its direct and indirect operations. It aims to reduce emissions from a 2019 baseline by 2035, including its concentrate manufacturing and company-owned bottling facilities.
However, some acquired businesses, like BODYARMOR and Costa, are excluded for now. Coca-Cola plans to gradually integrate these brands into its broader emissions goals, allowing time for preparation.
Achieving these reductions requires significant investments in new technologies. Coca-Cola also plans to work closely with bottling partners and suppliers.
Agriculture also plays a role in Coca-Cola’s strategy. While it has retired a specific goal in agriculture, the company remains active. It continues to support sustainable sourcing practices with its suppliers.
These initiatives aim to reduce water use, cut emissions, and prevent deforestation. Coca-Cola also seeks to conserve high-risk areas within its supply chain and support farmers’ livelihoods.
Collaboration underpins all these efforts. Coca-Cola stresses the importance of partnerships with governments, civil society, and other businesses.
Infrastructure and legislation also play key roles. Coca-Cola plans to advocate for policies that promote sustainability. It believes well-designed collection systems are essential to reducing waste.
Challenges lie ahead, but Coca-Cola remains optimistic. Scaling innovations and improving infrastructure will require continuous effort. Market dynamics, costs, and quality concerns may also affect progress.
The company plans to release annual updates on its sustainability goals. These reports will track progress and identify areas for improvement, and they will also allow Coca-Cola to adapt its strategies as needed.
This refreshed approach reflects Coca-Cola’s long-term vision. It aims to make a lasting positive impact on the environment and set an example for others in the industry.
Coca-Cola hopes to address the world’s most urgent challenges through strategic investments, innovation, and partnerships. These efforts align with its purpose to “Refresh the World and Make a Difference.”
As 2035 approaches, the company remains focused on delivering tangible results.