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2023-11-06 00:00:00
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Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC), a significant bottling partner of the Coca-Cola company, has marked a milestone by commencing the production of recycled PET (rPET) at its Romanian facility. This initiative positions Coca-Cola HBC as the first beverage manufacturer in Eastern Europe to produce rPET for its packaging in-house.
The production takes place in the company's Ploiesti factory, situated north of Bucharest, which ranks as the second-largest within the Coca-Cola HBC Group. The newly installed PET flake decontamination unit at this factory represents the third of its kind across Coca-Cola HBC's expansive network spanning 29 markets. The project, reflecting an €11 million investment, includes €3.5 million in state aid from the Romanian government.
In a significant move towards sustainability, Coca-Cola HBC Romania has transitioned to offering 100% rPET packaging for its comprehensive range of soft drinks, including popular brands like Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes, Cappy, Fuzetea, and Dorna. The establishment of the in-house rPET production facility ensures a consistent supply of high-quality rPET resin for their bottle portfolio.
Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC Romania, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable practices: “We are working to produce and deliver our drinks in more sustainable ways and in packaging that has a life beyond its initial use – and Romania is a great example of how we can work collaboratively with our stakeholders and the wider industry to create a circular economy for packaging.”
In 2022, Coca-Cola HBC used 22% recycled material in its PET plastic across its EU and Swiss markets. With this latest investment in Romania, along with transitions to recycled bottle portfolios in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, the company is on course to achieve nearly 50% rPET use in its EU and Swiss markets by the end of 2023. This progress is particularly noteworthy given Coca-Cola Company's status as the world's top plastic polluter.
Moreover, Coca-Cola HBC is actively advocating for the implementation of Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) across many of its markets. These schemes typically attain a 90% collection rate for bottles and cans. Presently, five DRS are operational in Coca-Cola HBC markets, with an additional six anticipated by the end of 2025. Romania is set to introduce its own scheme in December, further advancing Coca-Cola HBC's commitment to environmental stewardship.
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