Coca-Cola Sets Ambitious Environmental Goals for 2035, Aiming for Sustainable Impact
ATLANTA – The Coca-Cola Company has unveiled a new set of voluntary environmental goals aimed at bolstering its commitment to sustainability. Focused on water security, packaging waste reduction, and emissions decrease, the refreshed goals extend through 2035 and reflect the company’s decades of sustainability initiatives and lessons learned.
“Building long-term business resilience while making a positive environmental impact remains at the core of our mission,” said Bea Perez, Coca-Cola’s Executive Vice President and Global Chief Communications, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships Officer. “Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions, strategic investments, and collaboration across industries and communities.”
Driving Environmental Progress
Coca-Cola's updated goals build on existing frameworks while adapting to emerging challenges. Highlights include:
Water Security
- 100% Replenishment in High-Risk Locations: Coca-Cola plans to replenish all the water used in its finished products globally, with a specific focus on more than 200 high-risk locations.
- Local Stewardship: Efforts will emphasize promoting water efficiency and improving access to safe water for communities.
Packaging Waste Reduction
- Increased Recycling Targets: By 2035, Coca-Cola aims to collect and recycle 70-75% of the bottles and cans it introduces into the market annually.
- More Recycled Materials: Plans include using 35-40% recycled material in packaging, with 30-35% of this from recycled plastics.
- Design Innovations: Over 95% of Coca-Cola’s packaging is currently recyclable, and the company is working to address the remainder.
Lowering Emissions
- Aligning with a 1.5°C Trajectory: Coca-Cola is targeting significant reductions in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions from a 2019 baseline. These efforts include renewable energy adoption, supply chain optimization, and emissions reductions across its global operations.
Packaging Solutions for the Future
The company is doubling down on its efforts to improve packaging sustainability through design and collection innovations. Coca-Cola plans to expand its refillable packaging options and partner with local governments and organizations to enhance recycling infrastructure and consumer education.
Collaboration as the Key to Success
Coca-Cola’s strategy hinges on working with bottling partners, policymakers, and civil society organizations to build a shared vision for sustainable progress. The company is also engaging with the Global Self-Care Federation, Blister Pack Collective, and The Recycling Partnership to develop solutions for the circular economy.
“We recognize that no single company can solve these issues alone,” Perez said. “Collaboration, smart investments, and policy advocacy will be critical in creating shared value for businesses, communities, and the planet.”
Reporting and Accountability
Coca-Cola will continue to report annually on its progress and regularly assess the alignment of its sustainability goals with evolving market dynamics and stakeholder needs.
The ambitious 2035 goals represent a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship as Coca-Cola seeks to lead by example and drive transformative change in the global beverage industry.
