After being named global beverage industry sustainability leader by Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) earlier this month, Coca-Cola HBC has announced seven new sustainability targets.
By 2020 the company aims to take 40% of the total energy used from renewable and clean energy sources; recover for recycling an average of 40% of total packaging and source 20% of the total PET used from recycled PET and/or PET from renewable material.
Additionally, Coca-Cola HBC commits to reduce the amount of primary packaging by 25% per litre of beverage produced; certify over 95% of key agricultural ingredients against the Coca-Cola system’s Sustainable Agricultural Guiding Principles; invest 2% of its annual pre-tax profit in communities and double the number of employees taking part in volunteering initiatives during work time to 10%.
The seven new targets build on the initial 2020 commitments announced last year to reduce water and direct carbon emission intensity of the company by 30% and 50% respectively.
Dimitris Lois, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, commented: "The ambitious targets we announce today reflect our commitment to inspire a better future for our people and the communities we serve. These are part of our overall strategy that established Coca-Cola HBC as a leader in sustainability among beverage companies, and show that we are determined to grow our business responsibly, profitably and sustainably."
In the last couple of years, Coca-Cola HBC reduced its water usage by 2.1 billion litres. The global carbon footprint of its products was reduced by 1.07 million tonnes in the last five years as an outcome of investing in low-carbon, energy efficient technologies. Also, the company invested €8.2 million to support community wellbeing, environmental, water stewardship and youth development in 2015.
Mark Haughey, Sustainability Manager, Coca Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: "Back in 2010, we set targets for our operations in Ireland and Northern Ireland spanning recycling and waste, energy usage and water conservation. We now contribute zero waste to landfill and have reduced the amount of plastic wrap used around each pallet and case. Carbon emissions per litre of beverage produced have been reduced by 52%, while our water use ratio has fallen by 13%."
Coca-Cola HBC also wants to increasingly offer its products in innovative packaging, such as bottles which are made of more than 50% recycled material. Coca-Cola HBCs 'Twist' bottles for instance are 22% lighter than previous containers. Moreover, the company's PLANTBottles® contain 30% plant based material, and are fully recyclable. PLANTBottle® usage increased by 254% last year.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Miyuki Nakano
