Coca-Cola unveils ‘fully-recyclable’ PlantBottle

Global – Drinks giant Coca-Cola has unveiled the world’s first fully-recyclable PET plastic bottle made entirely from renewable plant materials, based on what is claimed to be a ‘ground-breaking’ technology.

Through this initiative, Coca-Cola hopes to develop a more responsible alternative to packaging made from fossil fuels and other non-renewable materials. PlantBottle packaging uses technology that converts natural sugars found in plants into the ingredients for making PET bottles.

The packaging looks, functions and recycles like traditional PET but has a lighter footprint, it is stressed. Coca-Cola’s current version of PlantBottle packaging, which is made from up to 30% plant-based materials, was launched in 2009 and more than 35 billion bottles have since been distributed across nearly 40 countries.

The company estimates that, to date, use of PlantBottle packaging has helped save some 315 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.