USA – Herbert A Allen, a long serving board member of Atlanta-based multinational soft drinks company Coca-Cola, has retired as a director after 39 years of service.  

According to a statement from Coca-Cola Company, Allen, who is 80 years old, was the longest-serving current member of the company’s board of directors.  

Following his retirement on  18 August, the Coca-Cola board is now comprised chaired by current CEO James Quincey is now left will 11  directors 

“On behalf of The Coca-Cola Company and its board of directors, I thank Herbert for his service,” said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. 

He added: “Herbert joined the board in 1982. Throughout the years, his counsel and sound judgment have guided company leadership through many evolutions. His positive impact on Coca-Cola will last far beyond his tenure on the board. We wish him all the best in the next chapter.” 

On his part, Allen said: “The greatest part of serving as a director has been meeting and getting to know a wide variety of people in the company.” 

“Whether bottlers, Coke employees, officers or company directors, virtually everyone has been part of an enriching experience. As a shareowner, I extend my appreciation and gratitude to all of you.” 

Allen joined the board back when the company was led by Roberto Goizueta (chairman and CEO) and went on to work with five other chairmen of the company, most recently Quincey. 

Free Coca-Cola rides 

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has announced a partnership with Lime, the world’s leading provider of shared electric vehicles, to reward people who are committed to recycling.  

The new campaign is aimed at celebrating the nationwide availability of Coca-Cola Sip Sized bottles made from 100% recycled plastic material (rPET), not including the bottles’ cap and label. 

In a statement, the companies revealed that they are  offering more than 40,000 free bike or e-scooter rides to people who purchase and pledge to recycle their 13.2oz, 100% rPET* Coca-Cola bottles. 

“The 13.2oz, 100% rPET Coca-Cola bottle is just one of the many innovations the company has introduced to make important advancements towards a World Without Waste,” said Brandan Strickland, Brand Director of Coca-Cola Trademark, Coca-Cola North America Operating Unit.  

“Now, with Sip Sized, 100% rPET Coca-Cola bottles available at convenience stores across the nation, we’re encouraging people to go the extra mile to commit to recycling our products again and again.” 

This initiative, along with transition to the 100% rPET packaging across several products within the Coca-Cola trademark portfolio, reduces The Coca-Cola Company’s use of new plastic by more than 20% across the portfolio in North America compared to 2018, notes Coca-Cola. 

It adds that through the use internal company tools and analyses, the recycling efforts represents a 10,000 metric ton reduction in GHG emissions annually. 

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