Coca-Cola has shifted its sustainability goals, focusing on recycled materials rather than cutting single-use and virgin plastics.
Sarah Raza reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Coca-Cola announced it would aim to use 30-35% recycled plastic in packaging and ensure collection of 70-75% of bottles and cans by 2035.
- The company abandoned previous commitments to cut virgin plastic use and boost refillable packaging, citing business growth as a challenge.
- Critics argue this pivot undermines global efforts to reduce plastic waste, with Coca-Cola responsible for 11% of branded plastic pollution worldwide.
Key quote:
“They had a real solution, and they walked away from that. It’s bad news for the environment and the oceans."
— Matt Littlejohn, senior vice president at Oceana
Why this matters:
Plastic pollution, especially from single-use items, harms ecosystems and human health. Coca-Cola’s role as a top polluter amplifies concerns that its revised goals may hinder global progress in reducing plastic waste.
Related EHN coverage: Is recycled plastic safe for food contact? If the company making it says so, according to the FDA
