Coca-Cola reports 99% recyclable consumer packaging globally 

GLOBAL -Coca-Cola has announced that 99 percent of its primary consumer packaging worldwide was recyclable in 2024, according to its latest annual environmental update.  

This marks a notable increase from the steady 90 percent recyclability rate reported in 2022 and 2023. 

The company said the milestone reflects progress toward its evolving packaging sustainability objectives. Initially pegged to 2025 and 2030, the targets were revised at the end of 2024 with new ambitions set for 2035.  

These include using at least 35 percent recycled material across primary packaging, increasing recycled plastic content to at least 30 percent globally, and collecting a minimum of 70 percent of bottles and cans placed on the market. 

Coca-Cola reported that in 2024 the proportion of recycled content in its primary packaging rose to 28 percent. PET remains its most widely used substrate, with 18 percent of that made from recycled PET.  

However, the total weight of virgin plastic used increased to 2.94 million metric tons in 2024, up from 2.83 million metric tons in 2023. 

The company also reported that 14 percent of its total beverage volume was served in reusable packaging during the year.  

Coca-Cola noted ongoing challenges in collection and recycling, citing differences in infrastructure, regulatory environments, and consumer behaviors across global markets. 

Coca-Cola highlighted its focus on advocating for well-designed collection systems such as extended producer responsibility and deposit return schemes, which it said are among the most effective ways to improve packaging collection rates. 

The company’s updated 2035 goal calls for using 35–40 percent recycled material across plastic, glass, and aluminum packaging, alongside increasing recycled plastic content to between 30–35 percent globally.  

Another key objective focuses on partnering to collect 70–75 percent of the equivalent number of bottles and cans introduced into the market annually. 

Coca-Cola’s methodology for determining recyclability includes regions with established recycling systems, a postconsumer recycling rate of 30 percent or higher, and a combined population of at least 400 million inhabitants.  

This framework underscores the scale of the company’s efforts to advance circularity in beverage packaging. 

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