Coca-Cola India launches affordable small sparkling package (ASSP) with 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottles

Coca-Cola India, after pioneering the introduction of 100% recycled PET (rPET) by beverage industry in India, is taking another meaningful step towards creating a circular economy. The company has announced the launch of Coca-Cola in ASSP with 100% Recycled PET (rPET) in 250ml bottles, starting with the state of Orissa.

Manufactured by Coca-Cola's bottling partner, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCBPL), this initiative underscores the company's commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing carbon footprint and promoting environmental responsibility.

Compared to conventional virgin PET packaging, in the ASSP (Affordable Small Sparkling Package), emissions are reduced by 36% through the light-weighting of PET material. Additionally, the shift from virgin PET to recycled PET in ASSP contributes to a further reduction in the carbon footprint, resulting in an overall 66% decrease compared to non-ASSP packaging with virgin PET.

Launching 100% rPET ASSP, Alok Sharma, executive director, Supply Chain, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), stated, "The introduction of recycled PET in ASSP is a crucial step towards plastic circularity, emphasizing a substantial reduction in the overall carbon footprint. This initiative aligns with our broader vision to scale up sustainable practices and lead the way in shaping a greener future for the beverage industry in India."

Enrique Ackermann, vice president, Technical Innovation and Supply Chain, Coca-Cola India, and Southwest Asia, said, "Our efforts at expanding rPET in India is a testimony of our commitment to increase the availability of high-quality, food-grade, recycled plastic for consumers in India. With these eco-friendly bottles we seek to drive a circular economy for packaging, reduce waste and carbon emissions, bringing us closer to the World Without Waste goal of making bottles with 50% recycled content by 2030.

The Coca–Cola Company offers 100% rPET bottles in over 40 markets. With the launch of World Without Waste, an ambitious sustainable packaging program, it aims to help collect and recycle a bottle or CAN for everyone it sells by 2030. The goal is to make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030.