At a time when businesses are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, Coca-Cola raised eyebrows in January 2020 by announcing they would not abandon single-use plastic bottles as it was “what their customers wanted.”
However, is this the case? Is it viable for a company the size of Coca-Cola to cut all single-use plastics? Or are they just shirking their environmental responsibilities for the sake of profit?
Announcing their customers preferred plastic bottles was a bold statement, but is it true?
Market researcher Piplsay surveyed customers almost 33,000 Americans, asking:
‘Would you buy coke bottles if they came in heavier or non-sealable packaging?’
The result was resounding:
Findings which go against Coca-Cola’s statement.
However, is there more to the companies stance on single-use plastic?
One of the other reasons Coca-Cola refused to ditch plastic completely was because it would “hit sales”, which is them very much putting profits over the planet.
The initial outlay of greener alternatives may be a cause of reluctance. Processes take a long time to change and new equipment costs money – but is this a reason for them not to switch to materials like glass, cardboard, aluminium or 100% recyclable products?
Many brands already sell their products in recyclable paper cartons or plant-based plastics including sugarcane – so, why not Coca-Cola?
A study by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) found that Coca-Cola bottles and cans made up 12% of all litter washed up on UK beaches – with the number rising to 15% when including Coca-Cola-owned brands.
Meanwhile, a global audit on plastic waste by charity Break Free From Plastic found them to be the world’s biggest polluters.
Going green can only help but improve the brand’s image. Indeed, if a global enterprise as powerful as Coca-Cola led the way, others would undoubtedly follow.
At first glance, it appears Coca-Cola need to improve their environmental responsibilities, but whether they do so remains to be seen.
For everyone else, change is possible.
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