Coca-Cola Sets New Sustainability Goals Targeting Water, Packaging, and Emissions

The Coca-Cola Company has announced updated environmental goals aimed at enhancing its sustainability efforts through 2035. These ambitious targets focus on water security, sustainable packaging, and emissions reductions, backed by investments in innovation, collaboration, and infrastructure.

Bea Perez, Coca-Cola’s Executive Vice President and Global Chief Communications, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships Officer, stated, “We remain committed to building long-term business resilience and earning our social license to operate through our evolved voluntary environmental goals.”

Coca-Cola aims to replenish more than 100% of the water used in its products globally, extending this commitment to over 200 high-risk locations. These areas, representing nearly a third of Coca-Cola’s global footprint, were identified through a detailed analysis updated in 2024. The company also plans to reassess facility risk profiles over the next five years to align resources where water security needs are most critical.

Coca-Cola has set ambitious packaging sustainability goals, aiming to incorporate 35%-40% recycled materials into its primary packaging and to achieve a global collection rate of 70%-75% for its packaging. Over 95% of its packaging is already recyclable, with ongoing innovations focused on the remaining fraction. The company also plans to advocate for improved collection systems and invest in refillable packaging infrastructure in applicable markets.

Aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory, Coca-Cola is committed to reducing emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 by 2035, with an emphasis on integrating its acquired businesses into this sustainability effort. “These challenges are complex and require us to drive more effective and efficient resource allocation and work collaboratively with partners to deliver lasting positive impact,” Perez added.

While Coca-Cola will discontinue a formal agricultural goal, it will continue its sustainable sourcing efforts to conserve resources, prevent deforestation, and support agricultural communities. The company plans to report progress annually, adapting strategies as market dynamics and stakeholder expectations evolve.

Perez concluded, “We know we will have more chapters in our journey and that we can’t do it alone. Continued collaboration, targeted investments, and well-designed policies are crucial to help create shared value for all.”