PlantBottle packaging "pushes the boundaries on sustainable innovation by using groundbreaking technology to create a fully recyclable plastic bottle made from renewable plant materials," said the soft drinks giant.
The current version of PlantBottle, which is made from up to 30% plant-based materials, was launched in 2009. Since then The Coca-Cola Company has distributed more than 35 billion bottles in nearly 40 countries.
The packaging is The Coca-Cola Company's vision to develop a more responsible plant-based alternative to packaging traditionally made from fossil fuels and other non-renewable materials.
It uses patented technology that converts natural sugars found in plants into the ingredients for making PET plastic bottles. The packaging looks, functions and recycles like traditional PET but 'has a lighter footprint on the planet'.
Nancy Quan, global research and development officer, The Coca-Cola Company, said, "Today is a pioneering milestone within our Company's packaging portfolio. Our vision was to maximize game-changing technology, using responsibly sourced plant-based materials to create the globe's first fully recyclable PET plastic bottle made entirely from renewable materials. We are delighted to unveil the first bottles here at World Expo – a world-class exhibition where sustainable innovation is celebrated."
PlantBottle packaging maintains the high quality package consumers expect but with the added benefit of being made from renewable materials, according to Coca-Cola.
It can be used for a variety of packaging sizes and across water, sparkling, juice and tea beverage brands. Today, the company uses sugarcane and waste from the sugarcane manufacturing process to create PlantBottle packaging. Both materials meet The Coca-Cola Company's established sustainability criteria used to identify plant-based ingredients for PlantBottle material. These guiding principles include demonstrating improved environmental and social performance as well as avoiding negative impacts on food security.
It is estimated the use of PlantBottle packaging since launch has helped save the equivalent annual emissions of more than 315,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The Coca-Cola Company plans to continue investment in this packaging.
