Serving sustainability: Coca-Cola North America's push for reusable packaging

Coca-Cola North America ramps up reusable packaging pilots credit The Coca Cola-Company
Sustainability

Coca-Cola North America is taking bold steps towards its World Without Waste sustainable packaging goal.

By 2030, The Coca-Cola Company aims to have 25% of its global product volume served in reusable packaging. In North America, they are ramping up reusable packaging pilots to reduce single-use waste and limit the use of new materials.

The company is accelerating its test-learn-scale approach with various initiatives, including a partnership with r.Cup to introduce reusable cup solutions in major sports venues, cinemas, festivals, and events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and Washington, D.C. The durable polypropylene cups are collected, washed, sanitised, and reused, creating a more premium drinking experience. r.Cup also supports local communities by creating jobs for second chance workers and military veterans while contributing to local nonprofits tackling packaging waste.

Coca-Cola North America ramps up reusable packaging pilots credit The Coca Cola-Company
Coca-Cola North America ramps up reusable packaging pilots © The Coca Cola-Company

Coca-Cola North America is also exploring returnable glass bottle pilots, reusable cups with microchip and QR-enabled technology for Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, exchangeable cup programs, and encouraging transitions to reusable fountain cups with partners like A&W Canada and Reuse Seattle.

Anton van Zyl, Director of Sustainable Packaging Strategy, Coca‑Cola North America, said: We are working across our supply chain to reduce our environmental impact and ensure all of our packaging has value in the circular economy. We're growing reusable cup programs in partnership with our foodservice and on-premise customers. Partnering with innovators like r.Cup is one such example where through pilots we are experimenting, learning and expanding the options for our consumers to enjoy our beverages in reusable packaging.

Through these innovative efforts, Coca-Cola North America is working to make a positive impact on the environment and promote a circular economy for packaging.

Latest Packaging News

Walkers Chocolates introduces recyclable paper wrapper
Sustainability

Walkers Chocolates introduces recyclable paper wrapper

UPM Specialty Papers has partnered with EvoPak to support Walkers Chocolates' transition from a...
Labelexpo Europe 2025 opens next week: all you need to know
Events

Labelexpo Europe 2025 opens next week: all you need to know

For the industry following its 45-year history, this edition will mark an important milestone,...
Strongbow launches accessible drinks packaging using QR codes
Technology

Strongbow launches accessible drinks packaging using QR codes

Strongbow, the cider brand owned by HEINEKEN UK, has introduced NaviLens technology to its...
Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 now open for entries
Events

Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 now open for entries

Entries are now officially open for the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026. The competition...
AmbaFlex: Safe access in your facility made easy!
Supplier News

AmbaFlex: Safe access in your facility made easy!

At AmbaFlex, we understand that providing safe access across packaging lines is both essential and...