Packaging and recycling

Sustainable development addresses economic, environmental and social objectives. We are encouraged to use packaging that:

• is made from responsibly-sourced materials
• is designed to be effective and safe throughout its life cycle
• meets market criteria for performance and cost
• meets consumer choice and expectations
• is recovered efficiently after use wherever possible

Our ultimate goal is to close the recycling loop, converting used packages into new. We have committed to invest in bottle-to-bottle recycling plants wherever environmentally and economically sustainable. In Austria, we co-own a plant which recycles up to 570 million PET bottles each year

Reducing packaging

Beverage packaging consists mostly of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, metal (aluminium and steel) and glass. We strive to reduce the weight of all packages as part of our waste prevention programme. By 2012, we aim to reduce packaging used per litre of beverage by 25% compared to 2004. For more than one decade, we have focused on lightweighting and all key packages use considerably less material. Since 2005, we have avoided 51,000 tonnes of PET through lightweighting.

Recycled and renewable content

In 2011, Coca-Cola Hellenic will launch PlantBottle, the award-winning PET bottle developed by The Coca-Cola Company. Up to 30% of the PET in this package is derived from renewable plant-based waste material. The bottle has a lower carbon footprint than traditional PET yet maintains the same performance standards and is fully recyclable. Coca-Cola Hellenic will trial PlantBottle in Switzerland.

Recovery organisations

Wherever we operate, we help to build packaging waste management schemes (packaging recovery organisations) that collect, recover and recycle post-consumer packaging, including beverage packaging.

Of the 28 countries we serve, 19 have such systems in place and have recovered and recycled 64% of packaging waste. In several countries, we have implemented activities to improve the collection system for post-consumer packaging, including PET.

Packaging plays a vital function in ensuring quality, safety and convenience of food and beverages. We work with governments, other industry members, community organisations, consumers and others to:

• comply with regulations on packaging waste
• fulfil our commitments of proper handling of packaging materials during and after production and distribution

We are often the initiator and catalyst for the introduction of programmes that range from those we conduct independently and that involve industry cooperation, to others that focus on education and collective community involvement.

National cross-sector packaging associations aim to influence national environmental legislation covering:

• the marketing, sourcing, manufacture and distribution of packaging used for packaged products
• the management of used packaging

By supporting legislation that is transparent, effective and in proportion to the impacts of packaging and packaging waste, members are able to innovate, compete and operate in a resource-efficient way.

Packaging associations also stimulate stakeholder dialogue and conduct strategic communications programmes.

In-plant recycling

Back to top