New Delhi: Leading the charge towards a circular economy, Coca-Cola India has launched an eco-friendly initiative by introducing its Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP) in 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottles. The new 250ml bottles, initially rolled out in Orissa, mark a significant step in the beverage industry’s sustainability efforts.
Coca-Cola India, known for pioneering the use of 100% rPET in the Indian beverage sector, continues its commitment to environmental responsibility with this new launch. The ASSP initiative is manufactured by Coca-Cola’s bottling partner, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. (HCCBPL), and highlights the company’s focus on reducing its carbon footprint.
The shift to rPET bottles in the ASSP line reduces carbon emissions by 36% due to the lightweight nature of the PET material. When considering the transition from virgin PET to recycled PET, the overall carbon footprint reduction reaches an impressive 66% compared to traditional non-ASSP packaging with virgin PET.
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Alok Sharma, Executive Director, Supply Chain at HCCB, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “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 of Technical Innovation and Supply Chain at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, reiterated the company’s dedication to sustainability. “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,” said Ackermann.