Coca-Cola İçecek Pakistan launches bottles made from 100% recycled plastic
[TBC, 2022] In a collaboration, Coca-Cola İçecek Pakistan (CCI) and The Coca-Cola Company have launched bottles made from 100% recycled plastic – a new packaging innovation for Coca-Cola in Pakistan.
Initially launched in Sindh, where 2.25-liter Coca-Cola and Fanta bottles will be made using food-grade recycled plastic (rPET), the initiative will be rolled out in other provinces as well.
Working closely with Pakistani provincial food authorities, Coca-Cola has created a production cycle through which old plastic bottles are broken down into micro-pellets, thoroughly cleaned, and turned into bottles that are as sturdy and safe to use as new ones.
Earlier in 2022, CCI Pakistan announced its “Sustainability Pledge 2030”. Under the pledge, CCI Pakistan aims to evaluate and initiate multiple projects falling under 6 categories including Packaging, Water Stewardship, Climate Change, Human Rights, Diversity and Inclusion and Community.
Speaking about this achievement, Ahmet Kursad Ertin, GM – CCI Pakistan, said, “Sustainability is a fundamental and indispensable aspect of our business. It is embedded in our vision and goals. We integrate sustainability principles in all our operations. Use of RPET packaging is a step towards honoring our Packaging related commitment. We are thrilled to incorporate 100% rPET packaging for our products. “
As part of its World Without Waste vision, The Coca-Cola Company has committed to using 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030. Currently the company offers 100% rPET bottles in more than 25 markets.
Fahad Ashraf, Vice President of Coca-Cola Pakistan said, “Through this rollout starting in Karachi, Coca-Cola aims to create a looping, circular economy, where all bottles are made from recycled plastic, and are 100 percent recyclable. In doing so, we reduce the need for new plastic, and cut down the carbon footprint of our operations.”
The introduction of recycled plastic products builds on the work done by Coca-Cola under its World Without Waste and Water Stewardship initiatives. The company recently marked the one-year anniversary of Pakistan’s first plastic road in Islamabad – built using 10 tons of plastic waste - introducing the concept of re-carpeting national roads with plastic waste.
