Coca-Cola has reported that 99% of its primary consumer packaging worldwide was recyclable in 2024, marking an improvement from the previous years where it stood at 90%. This progress aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility as outlined in its annual environmental update.
Throughout 2024, Coca-Cola was actively working towards achieving its packaging sustainability targets set for 2025 and 2030. However, towards the end of the year, the company introduced new goals for 2035, which include using a minimum of 35% recycled material in primary packaging, increasing recycled plastic usage to at least 30%, and ensuring the collection of at least 70% of the bottles and cans it distributes.
In 2024, Coca-Cola successfully raised the rate of recycled content in its primary packaging globally to 28%, with recycled PET accounting for 18% of its most-used substrate. The company’s total use of virgin plastic increased to 2.94 million metric tons, following a decline in 2023.
Plastic bottles continue to dominate Coca-Cola’s packaging portfolio
In 2024, Coca-Cola’s packaging mix by units was predominantly plastic bottles, with pouches making up less than 1% of the total.
Regarding reuse, Coca-Cola disclosed that 14% of its total beverage volume was distributed in reusable packaging, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices.
Coca-Cola emphasized the need for collective action to enhance packaging collection infrastructure and policies, acknowledging the complexities posed by varying recycling systems, infrastructure, regulations, and consumer behaviors globally. The company expressed a focus on advocating for well-designed collection systems, including extended producer responsibility and deposit return schemes, as effective means to boost packaging collection rates.
Coca-Cola’s efforts to enhance sustainability come in the wake of challenges faced in meeting its previous recycling and collection targets for 2030. The company’s recent shift towards new 2035 packaging sustainability goals reflects its ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship. Similarly, competitor PepsiCo has also revamped its packaging sustainability goals to align with evolving industry standards.
When assessing recyclability, Coca-Cola’s methodology considers regions with established recycling systems, post-consumer recycling rates of 30% or higher, and populations exceeding 400 million. The company’s packaging initiatives extend to its own operations, as well as those of bottling partners and suppliers, underscoring a holistic approach to sustainability.