SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a theme park and entertainment firm, has used Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle packaging technology to develop the first refillable plastic cup.
The PlantBottle technology, which is usually used for Coca Cola's beverage bottles, uses natural sugar found in plants rather than traditional plastic resins. These ingredients help in reducing the carbon dioxide emissions.
The Coca-Cola Company PlantBottle packaging platform general manager Scott Vitters said, "This collaboration with SeaWorld demonstrates that PlantBottle technology can be applied anywhere that PET plastic is traditionally used, but with a lighter footprint on the planet."
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment culinary operations corporate vice president Andrew Ngo said the company's friends at The Coca-Cola Company share their commitment to conservation, passion for the planet, and innovative approach to consumer experiences.
"Even more important, this appeals to our guests, who expect and reward recycling and sustainability," Ngo added.
The refillable plastic cups are currently available in all SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks across the US.
SeaWorld further plans to use the technology to manufacture its other souvenir cups and is looking out for its potential use in the development of other merchandise.
SeaWorld's switch to PlantBottle plastic is expected to remove 35 metric tons of CO2 emissions a year.
The PlantBottle technology was introduced by Coca-Cola in 2009 as the first recyclable PET plastic bottle made partially from plants.
