Coca-Cola has significantly reduced its packaging sustainability goals, sparking criticism from environmental groups. The company announced it now aims to use 35%-40% recycled material in packaging by 2035, a step down from its previous target of 50% by 2030.
In a press release, Coca-Cola stated that this change reflects insights gained from decades of sustainability efforts and challenges in meeting earlier goals. Additionally, the company has revised its recycling pledge: instead of recycling an equivalent of every bottle it produces by 2030, it now plans to “ensure the collection” of 70%-75% of bottles and cans annually, without providing a specific timeline.
A Growing Plastic Crisis
Single-use plastic pollution remains a pressing issue. According to a report by the Minderoo Foundation, plastic production is reaching record levels despite corporate promises of sustainability. Most plastics are derived from fossil-fuel-based polymers, contributing to environmental harm.
Coca-Cola Defends Its Strategy
Bea Perez, Coca-Cola’s executive vice president for sustainability, stated, “We remain committed to building long-term business resilience and earning our social license to operate through our evolved voluntary environmental goals. These challenges require effective resource allocation and collaboration with partners for lasting impact.”
Environmental Groups Condemn the Changes
Oceana, an advocacy group, criticized Coca-Cola’s revised targets as “short-sighted and irresponsible,” urging customers, employees, investors, and governments to hold the company accountable. Matt Littlejohn, Oceana’s senior vice president, stated, “These weak recycling-related pledges won’t make a dent in the company’s overall plastic use.”
Similarly, Break Free from Plastic accused Coca-Cola of “greenwashing” and abandoning its reuse targets. The group highlighted Coca-Cola’s status as the world’s top plastic polluter for six consecutive years, with 33,830 pieces of its plastic waste found globally in 2023 audits.
Recent Progress Amid Controversy
Earlier this year, Coca-Cola introduced 100% recycled plastic bottles for all soda variants, estimating a reduction of 83 million pounds of plastic in its U.S. supply chain—equivalent to two billion bottles. However, environmentalists argue that such efforts are insufficient compared to the scale of the company’s plastic footprint.
The Path Forward
Coca-Cola’s reduced goals raise critical questions about corporate responsibility in addressing the global plastic crisis. While the company emphasizes collaboration and resource efficiency, environmental groups are urging stricter accountability and more ambitious action to curb plastic pollution.
