Beverage manufacturer, Coca-Cola, has debuted returnable PET plastic bottles in South Africa. The 2-litre returnable bottles can be reused up to 14 times according to Food Business Africa. Coca Cola has put efforts in reducing plastic waste, this being among the ways it is curbing plastic usage.
In March 2019, Kenya was among the countries to receive funding from the Coca Cola PET plastic recycling project. Through the project, Coca-Cola intends to speed up the collection and recycling of PET plastic bottles in Southern, Eastern and Central Africa within the next three years.
The Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, Velaphi Ratshefola, highlighted the South African initiative saying, “Through innovation and our infrastructure investment in this packaging line, we are providing consumers with a greater value for money, whilst introducing a PET plastic bottle that can be reused.”
He added, “The launch of these returnable PET bottles is one way in which we are investing in innovative and more sustainable packaging. The new returnable 2L PET plastic bottle also supports The Coca-Cola Company’s global commitments to address the world’s waste problem.” The bottles will bear a green paper label written ‘returnable’, appearing in front of the bottle.
In East Africa, the manufacturer is planning on introducing a bottle under the Bonaqua brand using 100% recycled PET. It’s great seeing major corporations championing for an eco-friendly lifestyle.