Coca-Cola transitions Stoney ginger beer to clear PET bottles in South Africa 

SOUTH AFRICA – Coca-Cola has announced that its iconic Stoney ginger beer will transition from its traditional brown plastic bottle to clear PET packaging in South Africa as part of efforts to improve packaging recyclability and support the country’s circular economy.  

The phased rollout began in June 2026 with the 2.25-litre bottle, while the remainder of the product portfolio will transition gradually over time. 

According to the company, the redesigned packaging will retain the distinctive labels and closure colours across each Stoney variant, ensuring the products remain easily recognisable to consumers.  

The new clear 2.25-litre bottles are expected to become widely available on retail shelves across South Africa during the rollout period. 

Coca-Cola said the packaging change is intended to make Stoney bottles easier to collect, sort and recycle, while continuing to deliver the brand’s signature KWETSA® ginger beer taste. 

“This transition reflects our ongoing focus on improving packaging design and recyclability. By moving STONEY® to clear bottles, we are helping to make them easier to collect and recycle, while supporting economic activity across the waste collection and recycling value chain,” said Mario I. Garcia, Vice President and Managing Director of Coca-Cola South Africa. 

The company noted that it continues to offer beverages in multiple packaging formats, including glass bottles, PET bottles, aluminium cans and refillable packaging.  

Coca-Cola said these packaging options provide consumers with greater choice while supporting efforts to reduce packaging waste and associated carbon emissions. 

The transition follows a similar initiative undertaken by Coca-Cola in South Africa, where Sprite moved from green plastic bottles to clear PET packaging to improve recyclability and material recovery within the recycling system. 

Coca-Cola Namibia new GM 

Separately, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) recently announced the appointment of Henry Friedrich as General Manager for its Namibia operations.  

Friedrich joins the company with 18 years of experience across sales, trade marketing and business intelligence, having previously held senior leadership positions at Heineken Brazil. He also returns to the Coca-Cola system after beginning his career at Coca-Cola Guararapes. 

Welcoming the appointment, CCBA Chief Executive Officer Sunil Gupta said: “We are pleased to welcome Henry to the CCBA family. His extensive background is a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our business.” 

Gupta added, “I am confident that Henry’s capability, energy and values-led leadership will position him well to lead the Namibia business and continue creating value for our customers, consumers, our people and the communities we serve.” 

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