The Coca-Cola Company, a global beverage giant, is actively transforming its packaging to address the global plastic crisis. This includes the introduction of bottles made from 100% recycled plastic material (rPET) across a selection of brands, including Coca-Cola, DASANI, and smartwater. Alongside these innovations, a variety of reusable tumblers and bottles featuring Coca-Cola branding are available, constructed from materials like stainless steel and recycled glass. This article explores the shift towards sustainable materials in Diet Coke and other beverage packaging, while also addressing concerns about the safety of reusing plastic water bottles.
Coca-Cola's Commitment to Recycled Materials
In a significant move towards sustainability, The Coca-Cola Company announced the launch of a new 13.2oz bottle made entirely from recycled plastic (rPET) in the United States. This initiative began with Coca-Cola, the company's most iconic brand. The transition to 100% recycled plastic material extends to other brands in their portfolio, including DASANI and smartwater, across various package sizes.
Rollout and Availability
The new 13.2oz rPET bottles were initially introduced in select states, including those in the Northeast, Florida, and California, for Coca-Cola Trademark beverages (Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar, Coca-Cola Flavors). This conveniently sized bottle aims to reduce the use of new plastic. Furthermore, 20oz bottles made from 100% rPET are being introduced across Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola Flavors, starting in California and New York, with a planned rollout across Texas in the spring. DASANI and smartwater followed suit, introducing 20oz rPET bottles later in the year. Sprite also joined the initiative with a new 13.2oz clear bottle made from 100% rPET in select markets. The clear packaging is designed to enhance recyclability.
World Without Waste Goals
These changes are part of The Coca-Cola Company's broader "World Without Waste" goals, initially pledged in 2018. These goals include:
- Collecting and recycling the equivalent of every bottle or can the company sells by 2030.
- Making 100% of packaging recyclable by 2025.
- Using 50% recycled material in bottles and cans by 2030.
The introduction of 100% rPET bottles* in the United States marks a total of 19 markets globally offering recycled packaging. As part of this rollout, The Coca-Cola Company aims to inspire everyone to join in reducing waste, with the largest on-package messaging effort by the company to-date.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
A Portfolio of Brands
The Coca-Cola Company's portfolio includes a wide range of brands beyond Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta. These include hydration, sports, coffee, and tea brands like Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak, Honest, and Ayataka. The company also offers nutrition, juice, dairy, and plant-based beverage brands such as Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife, and AdeS.
Reusable Alternatives: Tumblers and Bottles
In addition to the shift towards recycled plastic, Coca-Cola offers a variety of reusable tumblers and bottles, often featuring iconic branding. These products are made from different materials, including:
- Stainless Steel: Many tumblers are made from stainless steel, offering durability and insulation. Examples include the Diet Coke Stainless Steel Tumbler, Coca-Cola Can Stainless Steel Tumbler, and various Tervis tumblers.
- Recycled Glass: Some bottles and tumblers are made from recycled glass, providing an environmentally friendly option. Examples include the Coca-Cola Recycled Glass Bottle W/Lid and Coca-Cola Recycled Glass Tumbler 'Pop/Fiz' W/Straw.
These reusable options provide consumers with alternatives to single-use plastic bottles, encouraging waste reduction.
Addressing Concerns About Reusing Plastic Bottles
There is a common concern about the safety of reusing disposable plastic water bottles due to the potential for leaching and the release of microplastics.
Leaching
Leaching refers to the process where chemicals from the plastic material dissolve into the liquid it contains over time.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
Microplastics
Microplastics are microscopic pieces of plastic that can be released from the bottle material. These are not dissolved but suspended, similar to fine dust in the air.
Coca-Cola's Filtration Process
Coca-Cola claims to filter their beverages before filling them into bottles, which may address concerns about pre-existing microplastics in the drink itself.
Mechanical Wear
The inside of reusable water bottles experiences less mechanical wear compared to single-use bottles, potentially reducing the release of microplastics.
The Debate: Reusing vs. Recycling
The discussion around water bottle materials often involves a comparison between reusing existing bottles and recycling them into new products. Both approaches have their pros and cons.
Reusing
- Pros: Extends the life of existing plastic, potentially reducing the demand for new plastic production.
- Cons: Potential for bacterial growth if not cleaned properly, risk of leaching and microplastic release, limited lifespan of the bottle.
Recycling
- Pros: Creates new products from waste material, reduces the need for virgin plastic, can be more hygienic than reusing.
- Cons: Requires infrastructure and energy, not all plastics are easily recyclable, potential for downcycling (creating lower-quality products).
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP