Coca-Cola has a plastic problem. The firm is classified the largest plastic polluter in the world by the charity ‘Break Free From Plastic’ in its annual survey.
Now it looks like the company is trying to do something about its less than ideal plastic record. It launches its first ever paper bottle.
In a blog post announced on the company’s website, the firm’s initiative will aim to collect and recycle a bottle or can for everyone they sell by 2030. 100% recyclable.
As part of these initiatives, Coca-Cola is working with partner Paboco to explore the concept of a paper bottle.
“Our vision is to create a paper bottle that can be recycled like any other type of paper, and this prototype is the first step on the way to achieving that. A paper bottle offers a whole new world of packaging possibilities, and we are convinced that paper packaging should play a role in the future, ‘said Stijn Franssen, EMEA R & D Packaging Innovation Manager at Coca-Cola, who is working on the project.
The project is not yet complete. The new paper bottle still contains plastic. But the firm is on its way to a completely plastic-free version.
“This first generation paper bottle prototype still consists of a paper cap with a plastic closure and a plastic lining inside. The plastic we use is made from 100% recycled plastic that can be recycled after use. But our vision is to “a paper bottle that can be recycled like any other paper. The next step is to find a solution to create a bottle without the plastic lining,” Stijn explained.
The initiative is part of Coca-Cola’s program called ‘A World Without Waste’ and we have to say we are excited.