“This commitment is the ultimate destination of a journey that we started many years ago. It is fully aligned with our philosophy to support the socio-economic development of our communities and to make a more positive environmental impact. Both are integral to our future growth. Although we don’t yet have all the answers, our plan, track record and partnership approach give us confidence that we will deliver”. - Zoran Bogdanovicceo of Coca-Cola HBC.
A robust plan
To achieve its goal Coca-Cola HBC will:
- Invest €250 million in emissions reduction initiatives by 2025
- Decarbonise further direct operations by switching to 100% renewable electricity and low carbon energy sources through continuous improvements and innovations in energy efficiency
- Accelerate its journey to a more circular, lower carbon packaging approach by increasing rPET use, adopting packageless and refillable options, removing plastics in secondary packaging
- Provide energy-efficient and eco-friendly coolers to customers
- Reduce emissions from agricultural ingredients
- Implement a “Green Fleet” programme to switch to low and no carbon alternatives
In addition, Coca-Cola HBC has introduced CO2 emission reduction targets as one of the elements in its long-term management incentive plans.
A strong track record
Coca-Cola HBC was one of the first companies to commit to and deliver science-based targets. In the last decade, the company has halved its direct emissions and the CO2 reduction plan to 2030 is already endorsed and approved on the 1.5 degree pathway. In March 2021, Coca-Cola HBC was rated the world’s most sustainable beverage company by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the 5th time in the last 7 years, achieving its highest ever score. It is also ranked among the top sustainability performers in ESG benchmarks such as CDP, MSCI ESG and FTSE4Good.
A partnership approach
“We are delighted to work together with our customer Coca-Cola HBC on our mutual 2030 science-based greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and longer-term net zero aspirations. By working as a team, we will strive to cut the product carbon footprint of beverage cans in half by 2030.”
“Crown is proud to be a supply partner of Coca-Cola HBC and of its commitment to sustainability. Their ambitious new sustainability goals align with our own initiatives, including our own Net Zero and science-based-targets, and we are fully on board for this journey.”
“As Tetra Pak also has a net zero target and SBTi approved 1.5o aligned 2030 targets, we look forward to working with Coca-Cola HBC to reduce GHG emissions and together achieve our joint aims.”
The new commitment is also endorsed by the “We Mean Business” coalition and Coca-Cola HBC has joined the list of companies supporting the “Race to Zero” initiative.
