Coca-Cola Bottler's Switch to Clear PET Offers Key Insights into Packaging Sustainability
As part of Coca-Cola North America’s 2022 sustainability strategy, the bottler began phasing out green PET packaging for brands like Sprite, Fresca, and Mello Yello in favor of clear PET, which improves post-consumer recyclate quality by reducing color contamination. Although the switch was voluntary, it significantly improved the value and usability of collected PET bales.
Implementation Challenges
One key issue was the time delay between halting green PET production and its full removal from the recycling stream—about two years. This highlighted the importance of setting realistic timelines when implementing large-scale sustainability shifts.
Balancing Branding and Sustainability
While most of the company’s products transitioned to clear PET, Canada Dry remained in green PET due to separate packaging decisions by Keurig Dr Pepper. This example reflects the challenges of aligning sustainability goals across independently managed brands without compromising iconic brand identity.
Market Reception and Operational Impact
The shift to clear PET was well received, particularly among colleges and universities that are increasingly demanding sustainable procurement practices. From an operational perspective, the change helped improve both the quantity and clarity of recovered PET, enhancing bale value. According to the study, clear PET bales commanded up to 60–70% price premiums over mixed or colored curbside bales, especially in states like California with deposit return systems.
Cost and Shelf Life Considerations
The transition wasn't without trade-offs. Clear PET resin was more expensive and required minor production adjustments. Additionally, clear PET offers less light protection, slightly reducing product shelf life.
Still, the transition proved successful without requiring major investments in recycling infrastructure. Clear PET improved sortability and reduced contamination without burdening downstream partners.
Conclusion
Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast's switch to clear PET serves as a practical model for other brands seeking to improve recyclability and align with circular economy goals—demonstrating that packaging shifts, though complex, can yield both environmental and economic benefits.
Source: Resource Recycling