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Following failed discussions regarding the UN global plastics treaty, Coca-Cola revealed an update to its climate objectives, choosing to pivot from reducing primary plastics to enhancing the utilisation of recycled materials, reported The Washington post.
The company announced its goal of incorporating 30 to 35% recycled plastic into its packaging by 2035 and ‘help ensure the collection of 70 to 75% of the equivalent number of bottles and cans introduced into the market annually.’
A representative from the Coca-Cola Company mentioned that ‘the company is focusing its efforts to use more recycled material in primary packaging and supporting collection rates.’
A study released in April highlights that Coca-Cola contributes to 11% of global plastic bottle pollution. The company has committed to minimizing its use of virgin plastic by 3 million tons between 2020 and 2025 and aims to offer 25% of its beverages in reusable or returnable containers by 2030.
According to the company’s 2023 sustainability report, Coca-Cola’s utilisation of virgin plastic remained unchanged from 2020 to 2023, as a representative explained that this was a result of ‘business growth.’ Additionally, the company reported that last year 14% of its products were offered in reusable packaging.
Last week, The Coca-Cola Company participated in a business coalition in South Korea during the U.N. global plastics treaty conference. The event brought together nearly 200 delegations from various countries to work towards finalising a treaty to tackle plastic pollution. Although the conference concluded without reaching an agreement, attendees remain optimistic about reconvening next year to continue discussions.
‘The timing of this announcement is interesting coming on the heels of the treaty,’ stated Judith Enck, who previously served as a regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency and is now the president of Beyond Plastics.
Advocates criticized the company for dropping its targets to reduce single-use plastics, which are considered one of the main causes of plastic pollution. Most single-use plastics are not recycled, and globally, only 9% of plastics are successfully recycled.