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When you think of Coca-Cola, you might picture a refreshing beverage on a hot day, or maybe, like me, you remember the first time you learned to recycle thanks to one of their bottles. But beyond brand nostalgia, Coca-Cola is tackling today’s big challenge: sustainability. Their 2023 sustainability report outlines where they’re leading and where there’s room to grow.
Let’s break down five standout wins, and five areas that still need work.
5 Pros from Coca Cola’s Sustainability Report
1. Exceeding Water Replenishment Goals
In 2023, Coca-Cola returned 148% of the water used in its finished beverages to nature and communities, beating its 100% replenishment target.
2. 90% Recyclable Packaging
The company is closing in on its goal to make all packaging recyclable by 2025. In 2023, 90% of its packaging met the mark.
3. Sustainable Sourcing
Coca-Cola is shifting toward sustainable sourcing of key ingredients, putting ethics and environmental standards ahead of just price.
4. Progress on Emissions
They’re actively tracking Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and making measurable progress toward their net-zero goals.
5. Water Efficiency Gains
The company has improved water usage efficiency in production, saving both resources and costs.
5 Cons: Areas for Improvement
1. Reduced Packaging Ambition
Coca-Cola scaled back original packaging goals, which could suggest sustainability is negotiable.
2. Dialed-Down Recycling Targets
The revised recycling benchmarks aren’t as ambitious as earlier ones, raising concerns about commitment.
3. Slower Progress on Refillables
Despite initial promises, Coca-Cola has slowed efforts on refillable packaging, missing a critical opportunity.
4. Flatlined Plastic Use
Year-over-year plastic usage hasn’t decreased significantly, despite the company being a leading global producer.
5. Mixed Climate Messaging
Public climate commitments don’t always match internal operations or science-based targets.
What Could Coca-Cola Do Next?
- Double down on reuse: Refillable packaging systems need serious reinvestment.
- Focus water efforts where it matters most: High-risk water-stressed regions should be prioritized.
- Tackle supply chain emissions: Decarbonizing upstream operations is key to long-term impact.
Coca-Cola’s Impact on Industry Standards
Coca-Cola’s sustainability journey isn’t happening in a vacuum. As one of the largest and most influential beverage companies in the world, its actions set a tone for the entire industry. When Coca-Cola commits to water stewardship or sustainable sourcing, it sends a powerful message down the supply chain, from ingredient suppliers to packaging manufacturers.
That influence cuts both ways. When targets are walked back or progress stalls, it can give competitors implicit permission to do the same. That’s why holding major players like Coca-Cola accountable matters. Their scale means their wins are meaningful, but so are their misses.
For businesses watching from the sidelines, Coca-Cola’s sustainability report offers more than just insight into one company. It serves as a mirror for how all brands, big or small, can set priorities, own their impact, and report transparently.
Ready to Explore Sustainability for Your Business
At ThisRock, we don’t just report on ESG trends, we help businesses lead them. If Coca-Cola’s sustainability journey got you thinking about your own impact, let’s chat.
Book a 15-minute consult with Lindsay Hampson and start building a sustainability strategy that’s grounded, credible, and actionable.
Book 15-minute consultFAQ: Coca Cola Sustainability Report
What is Coca-Cola doing about plastic waste?
90% of their packaging is recyclable, but actual reduction in plastic use remains limited.
Has Coca-Cola met its climate targets?
They’re making progress, but there’s misalignment between public commitments and operational strategies.
