Coca-Cola: 99% of its Packages Globally were Recyclable in 2024
Plastic Recycling | 2025-09-24 12:10:19
As per rough estimates, plastic bottles still dominate Coca-Cola’s product portfolio, accounting for nearly 48%, whereas aluminium and steel bottles and cans constitute 27% of the overall portfolio.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Coca-Cola published their 2024 annual environmental report. According to the report, over the previous year, 99% of their packaging worldwide was recyclable. Compared to 2022 and 2023, when the rates remained unchanged at 90%, this is a notable improvement.
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The paper claims that in 2024, Coca-Cola increased the percentage of recycled material in their primary packaging worldwide to 28%. PET was the most often utilized substrate. According to the analysis, 18% of it might also be recycled. The company's total weight of virgin plastic utilized also grew, rising from 2.83 million metric tons in 2023 to 2.94 million metric tons in 2024.
According to approximations, plastic bottles continue to account for almost 48% of Coca-Cola's product line, while steel and aluminum bottles and cans make up 27%. Additionally, 14% of the company's beverage volume was served in reusable containers.
Coca-Cola stated that it is still difficult to collect and recycle beverage packaging. It demanded that everyone work together to improve the infrastructure for collecting packaging and create policies that support industry initiatives like deposit return programs and extended producer responsibility.
POLL
Which policy approach can help boost recycled content in beverage packaging?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much recycled content did Coca-Cola include in its primary packaging in 2024?
- Coca-Cola increased the recycled content in its primary packaging to 28%, with PET being the most-used material.
- What is the breakdown of Coca-Cola’s packaging types?
- Plastic bottles: ~48% of portfolio Aluminium and steel bottles/cans: 27% Reusable packaging: 14% of total beverage volume
- What challenges did Coca-Cola highlight regarding packaging?
- Collection and recycling of beverage packaging remain challenging. The company called for improved collection infrastructure and supportive policies.
