Coca-Cola launches latest recycling initiative and sponsorship

Coca-Cola Australia and Coca-Cola Amatil have confirmed all Coca-Cola soft drink brands bottles (600ml and below) and all water brands (600ml and below) in Australia are produced in 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles.

The recycling extends to Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Mount Franklin and Pump, with Coca-Cola’s juice and dairy brands to follow, in line with the company’s commitment to make seven out of 10 plastic bottles from 100 per cent recycled plastic by the end of 2019.

In addition, the FMCG has partnered with Planet Ark and become the major sponsor of National Recycling Week. The decision comes after Coca-Cola was found to be the top global contributor of plastic waste for two consecutive years, according to a global audit of plastic rubbish conducted by the Break Free From Plastic global movement.

Coca-Cola Australia director of sustainability, Russell Mahoney, said the company is committed to helping solve the plastic waste crisis, which is one of the most pressing issues of the time.

“We know actions speak louder than words, which is why together with Coca-Cola Amatil we have made a landmark investment in recycled plastic in Australia to help support a viable domestic recycling economy," he said.
 
“The other important piece of the puzzle is supporting initiatives that encourage Australians to recycle, which is why we’re proud to be working closely with Planet Ark.”

Planet Ark head of sustainability resource programs, Ryan Collins, said by using more recycled plastic and encouraging Australians to recycle, Coca-Cola is taking responsibility for the end of life of its products. 

“We know this will help stimulate a viable local recycling industry, enabling highly valuable material like PET plastic to be meaningfully repurposed," he said. “Just like Planet Ark, Coca-Cola does not want to see valuable resources go to waste. It’s a perfect match for National Recycling Week, and we’re thrilled to be working together for the first time this year."

Coca-Cola, which is Australia’s largest beverage company, is aiming to reduce the environmental impact of its operations globally by working to repurpose plastic from existing bottles and decreasing demand for new plastic. Coca-Cola Amatil Australian beverages managing director, Peter West, said the company is on track to become a market leader in innovation as the first country in the world where all Coca-Cola bottles 600ml and under are made from recycled plastic.
 
“We’re meeting our target to bring our total use of recycled plastic to 16,000 tonnes this year,” he said.

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