Case Studies

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INNOVATING AND COLLABORATING TO SAFEGUARD WATER IN GREECE

Returning the full amount of water we use in our production processes and beverages to nature and communities is one of our key sustainability goals in the water-risk areas where we operate. An innovative smart technology system introduced at the Municipal Water Treatment Plant in Schimatari (with the Mornos Reservoir in the area shown in the accompanying image) is helping safeguard vital water resources in Greece. 

Delivered through the Zero Drop programme, the solution recovers 100% of the water lost during filter backwashing, saving around 15% of the total raw water being processed at the Plant – enough to meet the annual needs of approximately 6,500 people. It also reduces energy use by 7-10%. The project is funded by The Coca‑Cola Foundation, Coca‑Cola Tria Epsilon, Coca‑Cola Europe and is implemented in collaboration with GWP Med and Tanagra Municipality. It shows how cross-sector partnerships and smart innovation can build long-term water resilience for local communities.

Coca-Cola HBC and Carrefour Romania - driving sustainability together

We are scaling sustainability partnerships with customers to create mutual value by supporting shared environmental goals that also deliver commercial benefits. In 2025, we joined Carrefour’s Sustainable Linked Business Plan, a non‑financial initiative focused on reducing packaging waste and carbon emissions. In Romania, teams co‑developed the first joint initiatives in our markets, including a consumer campaign across more than 150 Carrefour stores to promote recycling and the benefits of packaging made from 100% rPET, excluding label and cap. We also improved operational efficiency by optimising logistics - maintaining volumes while reducing delivery frequency and introducing lightweight trailers to lower CO₂ emissions.

BUILDING A CIRCULAR PACKAGING ECOSYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Our innovative approach to collection and recycling is creating value for both our business and local communities. We established the country’s first Coca‑Cola System owned and operated packaging collection hub, enabling large‑scale recovery of plastic bottles. In its first year of operating, our state-of-the-art hub has collected 1,330 tonnes. The facility is designed to process up to 13,000 tonnes of plastic bottles each year, once it has reached full capacity. This will significantly strengthen local collection and recycling throughput.

The initiative complements national recycling efforts and EPR objectives. Nigeria was also the first among our markets to implement a new lightweight PET bottle standard, contributing to material savings. A redesigned preform neck has already reduced plastic usage by nearly 200 tons in 2025, with further rolloutplanned for 2026 in Nigeria and other markets.

DISASTER RELIEF THROUGH THE COCA‑COLA HBC FOUNDATION

In 2024, the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation donated €1.55 million to communities impacted by devastating floods in Europe and Nigeria. These grants will support projects that target local needs, for example, rebuilding houses and community centres, providing food and emergency supplies, and replacing damaged medical equipment. Founded in 2023, the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation continues our tradition of giving back to our communities.

In 2025, Europe faced severe wildfires in Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria, as well as devastating floods in Romania, destroying homes, forests and livelihoods. Our immediate support included over 82,000 litres of water for firefighters in Greece and 3,000 litres of water in Cyprus. Our longer‑term recovery efforts are focused on regeneration in Greece and Cyprus, covering anti‑erosion works, flood‑protection measures, and support for natural landscape recovery. We also equipped and trained volunteer firefighters in Bulgaria and helped rebuild homes in flood‑affected communities in Romania.

To support these efforts, The Coca‑Cola HBC Foundation provided €2.3 million in disaster‑relief funding in 2025. These projects will continue through 2026, as part of a multi-year plan, designed to ensure lasting impact. Since its launch in 2023, The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation has committed €4.5 million in community grants, primarily for disaster relief, underscoring our enduring commitment to stand by communities in times of crisis.

In 2025, Coca-Cola HBC committed an incremental €5 million in funding for the Foundation so that we can respond swiftly and responsibly to the needs of our communities. Funds will be allocated to initiatives across our operating regions that are aligned with our focus areas of community resilience, sustainable access to safe.

BUILDING SKILLS AND OPENING DOORS FOR NIGERIA’S YOUTH

In Nigeria, we have delivered extensive #YouthEmpowered workshops across multiple states, equipping more than 11,000 young people with skills in entrepreneurship, employability, digital literacy and career development. Beyond classroom learning, 10 participants gained internships with our company, providing real-world experience early in their careers. We also have hosted intensive bootcamps where young entrepreneurs pitched ideas, with winners receiving 1 million Nigerian Naira in grants to launch sustainable ventures. Through mentorship, skills training and practical exposure, the initiative continues to empower young Nigerians to seize economic and career opportunities.