How Circularity is at the Heart of Coca-Cola's 2035 Vision

The Coca-Cola Company has refreshed its environmental strategy, unveiling updated voluntary goals that aim to tackle water security, reduce packaging waste and lower Scope 3 emissions.

The announcement highlights the company's purpose of "refreshing the world and making a difference" and extends its sustainability targets to 2035.

Coca-Cola is a multinational beverage powerhouse, offering more than 200 brands including the likes of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani and Costa Coffee across 200 countries.

Beyond its well-known drinks, Coca-Cola has spent decades striving to minimise its environmental footprint. These efforts have involved reducing sugar in its beverages, enhancing packaging recyclability and replenishing water resources.

Together with its bottling partners, the company employs in excess of 700,000 people worldwide, generating economic opportunities while advancing its sustainability agenda.

Its updated goals build on the company’s historical achievements in sustainability, informed by years of research, partnerships and assessment of challenges.

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

Prioritising water security in at-risk areas

Water is Coca-Cola’s most critical resource, not just for its beverages but also for the communities and ecosystems it operates within.

Since 2015, the company has achieved or exceeded its goal of returning more than 100% of the water used in its finished products to nature and communities. The new plan sharpens its focus on 200 high-risk locations globally, aiming for full replenishment of water used in each of these areas.

Coca-Cola identifies these high-risk areas through extensive analysis, with the most recent update completed in 2024. These locations represent roughly one-third of the company’s global footprint and their status will be reassessed every five years to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Alongside replenishment, the company is improving water efficiency, promoting stewardship and treating water to make it safe for return to local communities.

Cutting packaging waste

Coca-Cola is rethinking its packaging by increasing its use of recycled materials and boosting collection rates.

By 2035, the company aims for 35% to 40% of its primary packaging to consist of recycled materials, including achieving 30% to 35% recycled plastic globally. It also plans to collect 70% to 75% of bottles and cans it introduces to the market annually.

Recyclable packaging is a cornerstone of this effort to champion a circular economy within its supply chain, with more than 95% of Coca-Cola’s packaging already designed for recyclability. 

Light-weighting – using less material per package – is another focus, reducing the demand for virgin plastic and lowering emissions. However, implementation depends on factors such as material costs and scaling up new technologies.

It also invests in refillable packaging where systems already exist, working closely with local governments, industry peers and civil society to advance shared goals.

Tackling emissions on a 1.5°C path

Coca-Cola has committed to reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions – which cover its direct operations, purchased electricity and supply chain – in line with the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement. The goal uses 2019 as a baseline and aims for significant reductions by 2035.

Reducing emissions will involve transitioning to renewable energy, adopting new technologies and collaborating with bottling partners and suppliers to address Scope 3 emissions.

Coca-Cola’s actions in water management and packaging innovation also help mitigate the effects of climate change, adding another layer to its sustainability strategy.

Remaining transparent in Scope 3 reporting

While Coca-Cola is stepping back from setting new agriculture-specific goals, it remains dedicated to sustainable sourcing practices.

These efforts aim to conserve water, prevent deforestation and protect at-risk supply chain areas, all while supporting the livelihoods of farmers and suppliers.

The company plans to report annually on its sustainability progress, keeping its goals aligned with market conditions and stakeholder needs.

Bea emphasises the importance of collaboration in achieving these ambitions: “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.”

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