PAKISTAN – Coca-Cola İçecek Pakistan and Coca-Cola Beverages Pakistan Ltd (CCI Pakistan) have launched PET bottles made from 100% recycled plastic, a new packaging innovation for Coca-Cola in Pakistan, as part of their ambition to cut virgin plastic by 2030.
Initially launched in Sindh, the third-largest province of Pakistan by land area and the second-largest province by population after Punjab, the initiative will be rolled out in other provinces as well.
In the province, 2.25-liter Coca-Cola bottles marketed there are made using food-grade recycled plastic (rPET).
Coca-Cola İçecek Pakistan has a recycling program through which used plastic bottles are collected for subjecting into a unit operation. The company works closely with Pakistani provincial food authorities in the sustainability program.
The company explained that the recycling process ensures thorough cleaning and washing of the plastic while breaking them into small pallets, which are eventually converted into food-grade packaging for Coca-Cola Pakistan.
Mr. Ahmet Kursad Ertin, GM of CCI Pakistan, said: “Sustainability is a fundamental and indispensable aspect of our business. It is embedded in our vision and goals. We integrate sustainability principles into all our operations. “
“The use of RPET packaging is a step towards honoring our Packaging related commitment. We are thrilled to incorporate 100% rPET packaging for our products and will continue to take responsibility in line with CCI’s Sustainability Pledge for 2030.”
Under its “Sustainability Pledge for 2030” announced earlier this year, CCI plans to use at least 50 percent recycled plastics in all its packaging. Currently, the company offers 100% rPET bottles in more than 25 markets.
The pledge also aims to evaluate and initiate multiple projects falling under six categories, including Packaging, Water Stewardship, Climate Change, Human Rights, Diversity and Inclusion, and Community.
Fahad Ashraf, Vice President of the Coca-Cola company, commented that through the rollout starting in Karachi, the company aims to create a looping, circular economy, where all bottles are made from recycled plastic and are 100 percent recyclable.
In doing so, Asharaf noted the companies will reduce the need for new plastic, and cut down the carbon footprint of their operations.
The introduction of recycled plastic products builds on the work done by the Coca-Cola Company under its World Without Waste and Water Stewardship initiatives, He underscored.
Recently, Coca-Cola marked the first anniversary of Pakistan’s first plastic road in Islamabad–built using 10 tons of plastic waste – introducing the concept of re-carpeting national roads with plastic waste.
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