Coca-Cola launches a 100% recycled PET bottle on the Czech market, especially for its natural spring water Natura.

According to an exclusive survey, the use of recycled material in drinks packaging is important for up to half of Czechs 

Prague, March 17, 2021 - By 2025, fully recyclable packaging, then by 2030 bottles and cans at least half made from recycled material. These are the commitments of the Coca-Cola system for the Czech market, to which it took a significant step today by introducing a 100% recycled PET bottle for its Natura brand. According to an exclusive survey, recycled material is an important factor when buying packaged beverages, with 7 out of 10 respondents saying they would even be willing to pay extra for it. With the introduction of a new recycled PET bottle, Coca-Cola is becoming a leader among beverage manufacturers, who will be able to introduce a 100% recyclable PET bottle for one  beverage in its broad portfolio this year. In addition, all Natura bottles are 100% recyclable. Old bottles are therefore generally easy to use in the production of new bottles.

With the new 100% recycled Natura PET bottle, there is no need to worry about an increase in consumption of plastic. Thanks to the unique technology, the bottle is made of existing PET and thus simply does not create additional plastic waste. "Today, a PET bottle is no longer just packaging, but also a raw material from which a new bottle can be made. If we all realize this fact and return the bottle to the cycle after use, then we are on the best way to get rid of PET bottles which have been discarded in the countryside or thrown into mixed waste, "says Veronika Němcová, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Czech Republic and Slovakia. 

The new 100% recycled PET bottle is intended exclusively for the raneg of Natura, natural spring waters, which are bottled in the heart of the national nature reserve Adršpašsko-teplické skály in the Broumov region at the Coca-Cola HBC plant in Teplice nad Metují. "The combination of our 100% natural spring water Natura with 100% recycled packaging gives the possibility of an even greater connection with the natural world, which we value most highly in the Broumov region. It's great to see how technology changes literally from day to day, but that water remains the same for centuries, "says Tomáš Jirásek, director of the Natura plant of Coca-Cola HBC, who also bases this on the fact that water travels from underground lakes into bottles without any modification. "Natura does not need any treatment and, thanks to its low mineralization, it is suitable for all ages. In this way it is unique“ adds Tomáš Jirásek.

Coca-Cola wants a world without waste.

Coca-Cola has committed to having its entire beverage portfolio in 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 and to use at least 50% recycled material in its bottles and cans by 2030. "With the new 100% recyclable PET bottle, we want to show that we are really serious about our global commitments. A survey conducted in cooperation with the IPSOS agency revealed to us that the consumption of PET bottles increased during the pandemic in at least one quarter of households. Whether due to higher hygiene requirements or a different rhythm of life, it is essential that responsible companies such as Coca-Cola help show the way out of this situation. We believe that 100% recycled packaging can be one of the solutions to reduce the consumption of primary plastics, "said Jan Václav Kašpar, manager of corporate social responsibility and communities for Coca-Cola HBC Czech Republic and Slovakia. The new Natura bottles will be available in stores from March, in 0.5 litre and 1.5 litre variants.  

Generation Z want to live sustainably 

The Czech Republic is among the TOP 5 most successful countries in Europe in the sorting plastic packaging for recycling. For more than half of Czechs (55%), waste sorting is a matter of course, and for a quarter of respondents (25%) the main reason for waste sorting is primarily the effort to reduce pollution. "We are pleased that the new generation continues on with the sorting of plastics as is customary for their parents and grandparents. What surprised us, however, is the great willingness of young people to pay a higher price for a 100% recycled bottle, and even more than just a few crowns extra. Although the Coca-Cola system takes on these newly created technological costs associated with rPET bottles itself, and therefore no additional payment is needed by consumers, it is great to see that ecological materials gain real value in the eyes of the Czech people, ”points out Veronika Němcová.

Coca-Cola helps clean up the Czech Republic

In order to get close to its global commitments, this year Coca-Cola has also become one of the partners in the Clean Up the Czech Republic initiative. It will start in a number of places in the Czech Republic with a big spring clean on Saturday, March the 27th. More about the event and the support of Coca-Cola can be found on the website www.uklidmecesko.cz. 

Media contact:

Roman Pavlík, pavlik@fleishman.com 

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