Coca-Cola pledges to recycle equivalent of 100% of its packaging by 2030

Coca-Cola has a set a goal to recycle a used bottle or can for every one that it sells by 2030 as part of a “massive global ambition” towards its vision for a “world without waste”.

“The world has a packaging problem – and, like all companies, we have a responsibility to help solve it,” said James Quincey, President and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “Through our World Without Waste vision, we are investing in our planet and our packaging to help make this problem a thing of the past.”

Atlanta-based Coca-Cola has more than 350 brands in over 200 countries. In addition to the company’s namesake Coca-Cola drinks, it also has household names including: AdeS soy-based beverages, Ayataka green tea, Dasani waters, Del Valle juices and nectars, Fanta, Georgia coffee, Gold Peak teas and coffees, Honest Tea, Minute Maid juices, Powerade sports drinks, Simply juices, smartwater, Sprite, vitaminwater, and Zico coconut water.

The company aims to recycle equivalent of 100% of its packaging by 2030 and aims to make bottles with an average of 50% recycled content.

“Bottles and cans shouldn’t harm our planet, and a litter-free world is possible,” Quincey said. “Companies like ours must be leaders. Consumers around the world care about our planet, and they want and expect companies to take action. That’s exactly what we’re going to do, and we invite others to join us on this critical journey.”

Coca Cola joins other large consumer products companies that have pledged to use more recycled plastic.

On Thursday Danone announced that its Evian brand of mineral water will make all its bottled out of 100% recycled plastic by 2025.

PepsiCo announced a similar goal last year to make 100 percent of its packaging recoverable or recyclable by 2025.

Greenpeace welcomed Coca-Cola’s move.