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

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

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

U.S. pet retailers recycle over 30 tonnes of packaging in Earth Day milestone
Sustainability

U.S. pet retailers recycle over 30 tonnes of packaging in Earth Day milestone

To mark Earth Day 2025 (22 April), U.S.-based pet retailers Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N' Wash have...
HEINEKEN joins global effort to scale reuse in drinks packaging
Sustainability

HEINEKEN joins global effort to scale reuse in drinks packaging

HEINEKEN has joined the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Network as a Partner, with a focus on...
Iceland referred to EFTA Court over packaging waste and landfill regulation failures
Sustainability

Iceland referred to EFTA Court over packaging waste and landfill regulation failures

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has referred Iceland to the EFTA Court over its alleged...
WRAP adds 8 more plastic packaging items to elimination list
Sustainability

WRAP adds 8 more plastic packaging items to elimination list

UK sustainability charity WRAP has published an updated list of plastic packaging items recommended...
Target becomes 'first major US retailer' to commission sustainable wine in paper bottles
Business

Target becomes 'first major US retailer' to commission sustainable wine in paper bottles

Target is the first major USA supermarket retailer to commission a range of sustainable wines in...