Find out how Coca-Cola European Partners are partnering with the University of Reading to reduce packaging waste by taking refillable bottles to the next level….
In an innovative scheme to reduce soft drink packaging, <nobr>Coca-Cola</nobr> European Partners (CCEP) are excited to announce a trial of new generation smart fountain dispensers that work with refillable, micro-chipped bottles.
Their Coca-Cola Freestyle machines were placed within the Reading University campus and halls of residence in time for the beginning of the new academic year. In the first two weeks of the trial, they’ve already provided 1,500 refillable bottles to students – that’s 1,500 people reducing their packaging footprint.
“Around 650,000 plastic bottled drinks are used on our campuses each year, so this partnership will help the University to reduce this considerably,” enthused Matt Tebbit, Catering and Bars Manager at the University of Reading.
“The scheme will provide a wider range of low and no calorie drinks options to students and staff, as well as offering free drinking water to everyone – something students had requested” - Matt Tebbit, Catering and Bars Manager at the University of Reading
Why refillable?
Although the plastic bottles Coca-Cola produces are current 100% recyclable, we’re committed to reducing the amount of packaging in our products. So CCEP worked with the University and machine suppliers to create 21st century refillable bottles.
Students and staff can buy all their soft drinks on campus in the reusable bottles, as well as using the bottles off campus. Both CCEP and the University are monitoring the impact the scheme has on recycling and littering at Freestyle machine sites.
So how do these 21st century, refillable bottles work?
Smart technology
The customisable bottles interact with the Freestyle machines. All students need to do is purchase a bottle from the University and pre-pay for drinks – with single pourings, limited or unlimited refills.
