2.

Coca-Cola Faces Criticism Over Impact on

Script: Environmental and Sustainability Issues Faced Indigenous People in Brazil​
by Coca-Cola ​ Coca-Cola buys some of its sugar from big
plantations in Brazil run by a company called Bunge. These
1. Coca-Cola’s Plachimada Water Crisis​ plantations have taken land from the Guarani Indigenous
​ According to the Ritimo article “The people. This land is important to the Guarani because they
Plachimada Struggle against Coca‑Cola in Southern get food, medicine, and shelter from the forests.
India” In Plachimada, Kerala, Coca-Cola opened a plant in
2000 that used about 2 million liters of groundwater daily. ●​ Cutting down the forest for sugarcane also
6 months after the opening, villagers’ wells dried up, water releases carbon dioxide, which worsens climate
got polluted, and people fell ill. change. The plantations spray toxic pesticides
that cause health problems, especially in children.
●​ The plant used chemicals to wash bottles, and the ●​ Some Guarani leaders who speak out have been
resulting sludge was taken out of the plant. At threatened or even killed. The Guarani want
first, the sludge was sold as fertilizer to Coca-Cola to stop buying sugar from Bunge.
unsuspecting farmers. Later, it was given away Coca-Cola says it supports Indigenous rights but
for free. As villagers became more upset, the hasn’t stopped buying the sugar. Coca-Cola states
sludge was simply dumped on the roadside. The it opposes land grabbing and supports Indigenous
sludge contained harmful metals like cadmium, rights. The company is conducting independent
lead, and chromium, which polluted the soil and social and environmental reviews and engaging
water. with stakeholders to improve its supply chain.
●​ This made the land unhealthy for plants. As a ●​ Despite this, Coca-Cola has not yet stopped
result, crops couldn’t grow properly and began to buying sugar from Bunge, the supplier linked to
die. The villagers protested, and the plant was land conflicts with the Guarani people.
eventually shut down in 2004.
●​ A government report showed the village suffered Back in 2013, Coca‑Cola was buying sugar from Bunge, a
a lot of damage Rs 216.26 crore or $30 million. company linked to land disputes in Brazil. Some of this
Coca-Cola denies responsibility and says it sugar came from land that Indigenous communities said
followed the rules. The company said it might was taken from them.
reopen, However, activists argue the company
ignored the real environmental and health Coca‑Cola said it didn't buy from the worst areas, but
problems to protect its image. This case people were still upset.
highlights Coca-Cola’s wider challenges with
sustainability and community relations in India. Because of the pressure, Coca‑Cola changed its rules. It
●​ According “We are not responsible, and the now:
allegations are unproven.”​
To help, they offered to deliver clean water and ●​ Avoids buying from farms on stolen land​
set up rainwater harvesting. When the local
government canceled their license, Coca-Cola ●​ Checks where its suppliers get their sugar​
went to court and won at first. But in 2017, the
company told the Supreme Court it would not ●​ Follows fair and ethical sourcing standards​
reopen the factory. Later, they proposed turning it
into a training center for farmers. Still, they did
not admit fault or pay compensation, which upset As of today, Coca‑Cola says it no longer buys sugar from
many locals and activists They relied on legal disputed lands and has a "zero-tolerance" policy against
processes to defend their operations but land grabbing.
eventually left Plachimada without addressing the
core concerns of the community.

https://www.ritimo.org/The-Plachimada-Struggle-against-C
oca-Cola-in-Southern-India
3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Refrigeration​ eco-friendly brands. This could hurt Coca-Cola’s
Coca-Cola’s biggest impact on climate change comes from market value and future success.
keeping its drinks cold. The refrigerators it uses worldwide
consume a lot of electricity and rely on refrigerants, which Key Events and Timeline of Plachimada
are chemicals that cool the machines but also trap heat in
the atmosphere. ●​ 1998-2000: Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages
Private Limited (HCCBPL), the Indian subsidiary
In the past, Coca-Cola used CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), of Coca-Cola, acquired 34.4 acres of farmland in
which were later banned because they damaged the ozone Plachimada, Kerala, and started building a
layer. The company then switched to HFCs bottling plant. Operations began in March 2000,
(hydrofluorocarbons), which don’t harm the ozone but are drawing around 2 million liters of groundwater
powerful greenhouse gases—some are more than 1,000 daily.
times worse than carbon dioxide in terms of global ●​ Within 6 months (2000): Villagers noticed the
warming. groundwater became contaminated (milky white,
brackish) and unsafe for drinking and cooking.
Environmental groups, like Greenpeace, pushed for safer Farmers reported wells drying faster and reduced
options. One solution was Greenfreeze technology, which crop yields. Toxic sludge from the plant was
uses hydrocarbons like isobutane and propane. These are dumped on roadsides after initially being sold or
much better for the climate. Coca-Cola was hesitant at first given as fertilizer.
because of safety concerns (flammability), but eventually ●​ April 22, 2002: Local residents, mostly
began using these alternatives. indigenous adivasis, formed the "Coca Cola
Virudha Janakeeya Samara Samithy"
By 2020, 83% of new Coca-Cola refrigerators were free of (Anti-Coca-Cola People's Struggle Committee)
HFCs, using CO₂ or hydrocarbons instead. However, since and started protests and blockades demanding the
all these machines still need electricity—often produced by shutdown of the plant.
burning fossil fuels—they still contribute heavily to climate ●​ 2002 Protests: Multiple protests and rallies were
change organized, often met with police arrests and
violence. Protesters used symbolic acts like
throwing cow dung on the plant walls. Despite
repression, protests continued.
Impact of These Issues on the Company’s Operations ●​ April 7, 2003: The local governing body,
and Reputation Perumatty Panchayat, canceled Coca-Cola’s
license citing excessive groundwater use and
1.​ Disruptions and Higher Costs​ pollution. The company legally challenged this.
If Coca-Cola keeps having problems like water ●​ 2003-2004 Legal Battles: Several legal
shortages or stricter energy rules, it might not be proceedings took place, with the Kerala High
able to make or deliver its drinks on time. This Court and other government bodies involved.
could slow down production, raise costs, or even Mixed rulings were given on water extraction
shut down some factories—just like what limits and license renewals, often favoring the
happened in Plachimada.​ company temporarily.
●​ January 23, 2004: The "Plachimada
2.​ Bad Public Image and Protests​ Declaration" was adopted at a World Water
Coca-Cola has already been criticized for plastic Conference, emphasizing water as a fundamental
waste and hurting Indigenous lands. If the human right and opposing its commercialization.
company doesn’t fix these problems, more people ●​ February-March 2004: Kerala government
could protest or stop buying their products. This declared Palakkad district drought-affected and
could damage their brand and trust with restricted Coca-Cola’s groundwater use. The
customers.​ company stopped operations on March 9, 2004.
●​ 2005: The High Court ordered the Panchayat to
3.​ Losing Support from Investors and Buyers​ issue a license multiple times; the Panchayat
Today, many investors and shoppers care about complied reluctantly with short-term licenses.
the environment. If Coca-Cola doesn’t show real The company resumed operations but ignored
progress, people might stop investing in the regulations.
company, and consumers might choose more
 ●​ August 19, 2005: Kerala State Pollution Control 💧 1. Improve Water Efficiency in Bottling Plants
Board found toxic cadmium levels in plant sludge
and ordered Coca-Cola to stop production again. ●​ Use clean-in-place (CIP) systems that recycle
●​ November 2005: New groundwater laws cleaning water.
declared Plachimada an overexploited area, ●​ Install smart flow meters and sensors to
banning commercial water extraction. Coca-Cola monitor leaks or excessive use.
ceased operations permanently thereafter. ●​ Reuse rinse water from one stage to another
●​ 2010-2011: Kerala government set up a legal where hygiene standards allow.

✅ Goal: Use less water per liter of

body to assess compensation for villagers
affected by pollution and water scarcity caused
by the plant beverage produced.​
Coca-Cola’s global average is about 1.7
Coca-Cola’s Position in the Plachimada Case: liters of water per 1 liter of drink.
Reducing this to 1.4 or 1.3 would save
1.​ Denial of Responsibility:​ billions of liters annually.
Coca-Cola denied that their operations caused
water pollution or shortages in Plachimada.
They claimed the accusations were baseless and
🌿 2. Adopt Rainwater Harvesting Systems
did not submit documents when questioned by ●​ Collect and store rainwater at factory sites.
the local government (Panchayat).​ ●​ Use it for non-drinking purposes like cleaning
floors, landscaping, and flushing toilets.
2.​ Legal Challenges:​
When the Perumatty Panchayat cancelled their
license in 2003 due to overuse of groundwater
✅ This helps reduce dependence on
groundwater or municipal water,
and pollution, Coca-Cola challenged the especially in dry areas like Rajasthan or
decision in court, arguing that the Panchayat had Plachimada.
exceeded its authority.​

3.​ Partial Compliance:​ 🔁 3. Treat and Reuse Wastewater

At times, the company resumed operations
under court orders, but did not fully comply ●​ Build or upgrade wastewater treatment plants
with the conditions set by the Panchayat or the at bottling sites.
Kerala Pollution Control Board (like limiting ●​ Reuse treated water for cooling systems, toilet
water usage or managing toxic sludge properly).​ flushing, or vehicle washing.​

4.​ Disputing Scientific Reports:​

Despite BBC and environmental reports ✅ This minimizes water waste and
confirming harmful substances like cadmium in pollution while reducing total water
their waste, Coca-Cola did not accept withdrawal.
responsibility, instead challenging the claims.​

5.​ Eventual Withdrawal:​

👩‍🌾 4. Help Local Farmers with Water-Smart
Agriculture
By 2006, due to growing legal, scientific, and
public pressure, as well as new groundwater
Coca-Cola uses a lot of agricultural ingredients (like sugar).
laws, Coca-Cola ceased operations at the plant,
It can:
but never publicly admitted fault or directly
compensated affected villagers.
●​ Train farmers to use drip irrigation, mulching,
and drought-resistant crops.
Coca-Cola can reduce water consumption—and some
●​ Support water stewardship programs to reduce
methods already exist that could make a big difference.
over-irrigation.
Here are clear, practical ways Coca-Cola can reduce its
water usage, especially in water-stressed areas:
✅ This reduces the “water footprint” of
the ingredients used in the drinks.
🌱 5. Restore Watersheds Current Status:

●​ Invest in reforestation, wetland restoration, or Despite ongoing challenges, there have been some positive
river cleanups near its facilities. steps. In February 2023, the Brazilian government
●​ Work with NGOs and governments to replenish officially recognized 13 new Indigenous territories,
more water than it uses. covering about 1 million hectares. However, the Guarani

✅ Coca-Cola claims to “replenish” over

communities in Mato Grosso do Sul were not included in
this announcement, meaning their fight to have their land
100% of the water it uses globally—but legally protected continues.
critics say it needs to be more local and
measurable. The Guarani Indigenous communities remain strong and
determined in their struggle for justice, land rights, and

🤝 6. Engage with Communities Transparently environmental protection. Their ongoing efforts highlight
the need for continued support and advocacy to protect
their rights and preserve their culture.
●​ Share water usage data openly.​

●​ Ask for community input before setting up

plants in water-scarce regions.
●​ Develop sustainable withdrawal agreements Refrigeration Is Coca-Cola’s Biggest Climate Problem
with local water boards.
●​ Coca-Cola’s largest contribution to climate
✅ This avoids future conflicts like what change comes not from factories or transport, but
from refrigeration.
happened in Plachimada.
●​ Refrigerators consume high amounts of
electricity and use coolants (like HFCs) that are
potent greenhouse gases.
Key Points: Coca-Cola, Bunge, and the Guarani
Indigenous People

●​ Guarani land loss: Coca-Cola sources sugar 🌍 Environmental Impact

from Bunge, which buys sugarcane grown on
Guarani ancestral land in Mato Grosso do Sul, ●​ Refrigeration causes nearly 8% of global
Brazil. greenhouse gas emissions.​
●​ Environmental destruction: Sugarcane
plantations replace forests, damaging ecosystems ●​ Over two-thirds of Coke’s refrigeration climate
and contributing to climate change. impact comes from electricity use; the rest is
●​ Health risks: Toxic pesticides sprayed from from refrigerants.​
airplanes cause serious health issues among the
Guarani, especially children. ●​ Coca-Cola operates in over 200 countries and
●​ High suicide rate: The Guarani suffer a suicide uses 200,000+ delivery vehicles and hundreds
rate 34 times higher than the national average, of bottling plants globally.
due to despair from displacement and poverty.
●​ Violence and assassinations: Guarani leaders
who defend their land have been threatened,
🧪 History of Coolants
attacked, or murdered. ●​ Pre-1980s: CFCs were used but were banned
●​ Coca-Cola’s contradiction: Despite claiming to after being linked to ozone depletion.
oppose landgrabbing, Coca-Cola continues ●​ 1990s: Coca-Cola switched to HFCs, which don't
buying sugar from Bunge, making its policies harm the ozone layer but are powerful
seem hollow. greenhouse gases.
●​ Guarani demands: The Guarani and Survival ●​ Early alternatives like Greenfreeze
International urge Coca-Cola to stop sourcing (hydrocarbons) were rejected by Coca-Cola due
from Bunge and call on Brazil to return and to safety concerns about flammability.​
protect Guarani land.
🔁 Coca-Cola’s Shift to HFC-Free Units 2. Respect for Indigenous and Local Land
Rights
●​ After Greenpeace's 2000 campaign, Coca-Cola
committed to moving away from HFCs. ●​ Do not buy from farms or plantations that are
●​ Collaborated with Unilever, Pepsi, Red Bull, etc., built on stolen or disputed land.
to launch Refrigerants, Naturally! ●​ Suppliers must get legal and ethical permission
●​ By 2020, 83% of Coca-Cola’s new coolers were before using land—this is called Free, Prior, and
HFC-free, but 10% still used HFCs as of 2022. Informed Consent (FPIC), especially in
Indigenous areas.​
Carbon Footprint Remains High

●​ All refrigeration units still rely on electricity, 3. Environmental Responsibility

much of it from fossil fuels.
●​ With 2.2 billion drinks sold daily, Coke’s global ●​ Avoid cutting forests or polluting land and water.
cooling system continues to heavily impact the ●​ Use farming practices that protect soil, conserve
climate.​ water, and avoid harmful chemicals.
●​ Prevent environmental destruction linked to
production.
Coca-Cola’s Business Priority
4. Transparency and Traceability
●​ The company maintains its commitment to
making Coke available “within arm’s reach of ●​ Companies like Coca-Cola must know where
desire”, rejecting ideas to reduce the need for their ingredients come from (e.g., which farm,
always-on refrigeration. which supplier).
●​ Former sustainability officer Jeff Seabright ●​ They must be able to trace the source and make
confirmed Coca-Cola never questioned whether it sure it meets these standards.​
needed all those machines running continuously.​

5. Third-Party Certification or Audits

●​ Follow recognized standards from groups like:​

🧠 Conclusion ○​ Rainforest Alliance
●​ Despite improvements, Coca-Cola’s refrigeration ○​ Fair Trade
system still warms the planet. ○​ Bonsucro (for sugar)​
●​ The article urges both the company and
consumers to rethink the need for 24/7 cold ●​ These organizations inspect farms and
drinks, given the environmental cost. suppliers to ensure they meet ethical and
sustainability criteria.​

Questions:
Fair and Ethical Sourcing Standards – In Simple
Terms:
1.​ How did Coca-Cola survived from all
these controversies?
1. Respect for Human Rights
-​ Coca-Cola has survived numerous global
controversies—such as water depletion in
Suppliers must treat workers fairly, with:
Plachimada, India, and land grabbing issues in
Brazil involving its sugar supplier
●​ No child labor
Bunge—through a mix of strong crisis
●​ No forced labor
management, brand power, and corporate
●​ Safe and healthy working conditions
influence. When faced with backlash, the
●​ Fair wages and reasonable working hours​
company often distanced itself from direct
blame, implemented ethical sourcing policies,
 and launched public relations campaigns to pesticide exposure and respecting Indigenous
restore its image. territories. Coca-Cola has committed to fair and
-​ For example, through its “World Without ethical sourcing standards that include verifying
Waste” campaign, Coca-Cola pledged to collect suppliers do not violate Indigenous rights or
and recycle one bottle or can for every one cause environmental harm.
sold by 2030, use 100% recyclable packaging,
and increase the use of recycled PET
(rPET)—all widely promoted to boost its public
image. It also adopted strict ethical sourcing 3. Should corporations be responsible after closing
policies, including the Supplier Guiding damaging facilities?
Principles and Human Rights Policy, which
require suppliers to respect land rights, obtain Yes, corporations should remain responsible even after
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) closing facilities that have caused environmental or social
from Indigenous peoples, and ensure compliance damage. Closing a harmful facility does not erase the
with labor laws. Its iconic global brand and negative impacts it may have had on local communities,
emotional connection with consumers helped ecosystems, or public health. Corporations have an ongoing
maintain customer loyalty despite criticism. ethical and sometimes legal obligation to remediate the
Additionally, Coca-Cola’s economic damage, compensate affected communities, and prevent
contributions, such as job creation and similar issues in the future. Accountability after closure
investments in local markets, gave it influence demonstrates corporate responsibility and commitment to
with governments, which made strict penalties sustainable and fair business practices, helping rebuild trust
or operational bans less likely. These factors with stakeholders and reduce long-term harm.
helped Coca-Cola remain resilient and continue
thriving as one of the world’s most powerful Ethical sourcing policies are guidelines or rules that
beverage companies. companies follow to ensure the products or raw materials
they buy are produced in a way that respects people,
communities, and the environment. This means the
company makes sure that their suppliers:
2.​ Who is responsible for addressing
pesticide exposure on Indigenous ●​ Treat workers fairly and safely (no child labor,
lands? fair wages, good working conditions)​

The responsibility for addressing pesticide exposure on ●​ Respect the rights and lands of Indigenous
Indigenous lands related to Bunge and Coca-Cola involves peoples and local communities​
multiple parties:
●​ Use environmentally friendly and sustainable
a.​ Bunge – As a major global agribusiness and farming or manufacturing practices​
supplier of raw materials like sugar and soy,
Bunge is responsible for ensuring that its ●​ Avoid harmful practices like pollution,
agricultural practices, including pesticide use, deforestation, or exploitation​
comply with environmental and human rights
standards. This means Bunge should implement
sustainable farming practices, reduce harmful In short, ethical sourcing means choosing suppliers who act
pesticide use, and respect Indigenous land rights. responsibly and ethically throughout their production
They are also expected to conduct due diligence process, so the final product doesn’t come at the cost of
to avoid sourcing from farms that harm human rights or the environment.
Indigenous communities.​
WHY CHOSE COCA-COLA
b.​ Coca-Cola – As a large buyer and user of
agricultural commodities supplied by companies 1.​ Global Influence and Visibility:​
like Bunge, Coca-Cola holds responsibility for Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable and
overseeing its supply chain. Coca-Cola must influential brands in the world, operating in
ensure that suppliers like Bunge follow ethical over 200 countries and serving billions of
sourcing policies, including minimizing beverages daily. Its large-scale operations
 make it a significant case study for management in practice.​
understanding the environmental impact of
multinational corporations.​
III. Environmental and Sustainability Risk
2.​ Environmental Impact and Controversies:​ Management
The company has faced ongoing scrutiny for its
environmental practices, especially regarding:​ A. Corporate Policies and Environmental Programs
Water consumption and scarcity​
Plastic waste and packaging pollution​ Coca-Cola has four major environmental goals:
Carbon emissions and climate impact​
1.​ Cutting Carbon Emissions: The company aims
to reduce its carbon emissions by 25% across its
These issues make Coca-Cola a relevant subject value chain by 2030. It follows global climate
for examining the balance between business standards through the Science Based Targets
operations and environmental responsibility.​ initiative (SBTi).​

2.​ Water Stewardship: Coca-Cola promises to

3.​ Commitment to Sustainability Goals: replenish 100% of the water used in its drinks
Coca-Cola has publicly committed to various globally. It improved water-use efficiency by
sustainability initiatives (e.g., water 22% since 2010, meaning it now uses less water
replenishment, reducing plastic use, carbon to produce each liter of beverage.
neutrality), making it important to evaluate how
genuine, effective, and transparent these efforts Ex. The Coca-Cola Company and the U.S.
are.​ Department of Agriculture (USDA) renewed
their pioneering partnership in September
4.​ Relevance to Corporate Sustainability Studies: 2023 to continue restoring forests, grasslands,
As a global leader with stated sustainability goals and watersheds across U.S. national forests.
and a long-standing public image, Coca-Cola This five-year extension builds on more than a
offers rich insights into how large companies decade of collaboration aimed at enhancing water
manage environmental risks and corporate resilience, addressing the impacts of climate
responsibility under public and regulatory change and wildfires, and supporting historically
pressure. underserved communities. Since 2012, the
partnership has restored nearly 900 acres in key
C. Purpose of the Report (Simplified) metropolitan areas, improved water flow in
critical rivers like the Rio Grande and Colorado,
This report aims to assess how well Coca-Cola is doing in and supported local job creation through forest
protecting the environment and handling related risks. management initiatives. Coca-Cola, its
Specifically, it will: Foundation, and bottling partner Swire
Coca-Cola have invested a combined $2.6
●​ Check if Coca-Cola’s environmental programs million in these efforts, with nearly $900,000
are working and openly shared with the public; contributed in 2023 alone to projects in Colorado,
●​ Point out the environmental problems the Arizona, and New Mexico. The initiative aligns
company faces now and in the future, like water with Coca-Cola’s global water stewardship goal
shortages, plastic waste, and air pollution; to return two trillion liters of water to nature and
●​ Understand how Coca-Cola prepares for and communities between 2021 and 2030, reinforcing
deals with these risks in its worldwide operations. its commitment to sustainable water use and
ecosystem restoration.​
In summary:

Coca-Cola was selected because it exemplifies a globally 3.​ Sustainable Sourcing: It works with certified
influential company facing significant environmental groups like Bonsucro (for sugar) and Rainforest
challenges, making it ideal for evaluating the Alliance (for tea) to ensure ingredients are
effectiveness of corporate sustainability and risk grown ethically and sustainably.​
 4.​ Packaging Waste Management: Coca-Cola explore plastic-free alternatives.​
launched its “World Without Waste” campaign.
○​ These innovations show the company is
Coca-Cola launched its “World Without Waste” looking for long-term solutions to
campaign in 2018 with the goal of helping reduce plastic plastic pollution.​
pollution worldwide. The company committed to collecting
and recycling one bottle or can for every one it sells by
2030. It also aims to make 100% of its packaging C. External Validation and Accountability (In Simple
recyclable by 2025 and to use at least 50% recycled Terms)
content in all packaging by 2030. To support this,
Coca-Cola is redesigning its bottles to use less plastic, 1. Third-Party Audits and Reporting
creating plant-based bottles like the PlantBottle, and
increasing the use of reusable and returnable packaging, Coca-Cola doesn’t just check its own progress—it asks
with a target of 25% of its drinks sold in refillable outside experts like DNV GL and Ernst & Young to
containers by 2030. review what it’s doing for the environment. These
companies double-check Coca-Cola’s efforts, such as
The company is also working with partners like the Ellen how much water and energy it saves or how much pollution
MacArthur Foundation, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), it reduces.
and Ocean Conservancy to improve recycling systems in
over 200 countries. In the U.S., Coca-Cola added a clear Coca-Cola also shares this information with the public by
“Recycle Me Again” message to bottles and eliminated 80 releasing a Sustainability Report every year. This report
million pounds of new plastic, which is equal to around 2 shows what the company has done, what it plans to do, and
billion bottles. While these steps are seen as progress, whether it’s reaching its environmental goals.
critics argue that Coca-Cola should reduce its use of
single-use plastic more aggressively and focus more on 2. Global Commitments and Certifications
reusable solutions. Still, World Without Waste reflects
Coca-Cola’s effort to take responsibility for its packaging Coca-Cola has joined RE100, a global group of companies
and support a more sustainable, circular economy. that promise to use 100% renewable energy (like wind or
solar power) instead of energy that causes pollution.
Goal: Make 100% of packaging recyclable by 2025. By
2030, collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or The company also gets certifications to prove it’s
can sold.​ following sustainable practices:

●​ Rainforest Alliance certification for how it

As of 2023, 90% of Coca-Cola’s packaging is recyclable. produces tea and coffee (showing it protects
27% of packaging materials come from recycled content. forests and workers),
●​ FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification
B. Technological and Innovative Solutions for paper packaging (showing it comes from
responsibly managed forests).
1.​ Use of Technology: Coca-Cola uses artificial
intelligence (AI) to plan better delivery routes, 3. Ongoing Criticism and Challenges
which helps reduce fuel use and emissions.
○​ Over 3 million energy-efficient Even though Coca-Cola is making efforts, it still has
coolers have been installed that use up problems. Environmental groups like Break Free From
to 40% less energy, lowering Plastic have called Coca-Cola the top plastic polluter in
emissions in retail spaces.​ the world for several years.

2.​ Sustainable Packaging Innovation: Coca-Cola Because of this, Coca-Cola is now investing more in
introduced PlantBottle™, made with up to 30% reusable bottles and containers, especially in places like
plant-based material and fully recyclable.​ Latin America and Europe. But critics say the company
is not moving fast enough or doing enough to truly reduce
○​ In 2023, Coca-Cola Europe tested a the harm it causes to the environment.
paper bottle ​ prototype to
IV. Evaluation and Analysis (Simplified and Specific) 2. How Coca-Cola Does It

A. Are Coca-Cola’s Sustainability Efforts Real or Just Coca-Cola uses a plan called the Principles for
for Public Image? Sustainable Agriculture (PSA). To follow this, they do
the following:
Coca-Cola claims strong environmental actions in its 2023
sustainability update: a. Work with Certified Suppliers

1.​ Water Management​ Coca-Cola buys from farms that are certified by trusted
groups like:
○​ Returned 148% of the water used in
finished beverages to nature and ●​ Rainforest Alliance (for tea and coffee)
communities.​ ●​ Bonsucro (for sugarcane)
●​ Fairtrade (for sugar, cocoa, etc.)
○​ Improved water efficiency: now uses ●​ SAI Platform (for fruits and other crops)
1.78 liters of water per 1 liter of
beverage (10% better than in 2015). These groups check farms to make sure they meet high
standards.
How do they return water?
b. Audits and Checks
They return water by:
●​ Coca-Cola and outside experts visit farms to
●​ Helping build wells or water systems for check if they are following the rules.
people. ●​ They look at things like how much water is
●​ Cleaning and releasing water back into rivers used, how workers are treated, and if the land
after using it. is being protected.
●​ Planting trees or protecting wetlands, which
help store water in nature.​ c. Training Farmers

Coca-Cola also helps farmers:

So if they use 1,000 liters of water in their drinks, they try
to give back the same amount (or more) through these ●​ Learn better farming methods
projects. ●​ Use less water and fertilizer
●​ Grow more crops without harming the land
2.​ Climate and Energy: Reduced total greenhouse
gas emissions by 8% compared to 2015.​ This makes farming more sustainable and also helps the
farmers earn more.
○​ Increased renewable energy use from
21% to 24% globally. 🟡 Example:
​ If Coca-Cola uses sugar in the Philippines, they might buy
it from a Bonsucro-certified sugar farm that:

3.​ Sustainable Agriculture​ ●​ Uses less water

●​ Avoids burning fields
○​ Out of all the sugar, fruit, coffee, tea, ●​ Gives workers proper safety equipment and
and other key ingredients we used in fair pay
2023, more than 6 in 10 were sourced 4.​ Packaging (Main Environmental Issue)​
from farms that are independently
verified as environmentally friendly, ○​ 90% of packaging is now recyclable.
socially responsible, and aligned with ○​ 27% of primary packaging is made
our sustainable-agriculture principles. from recycled plastic.
○​ Avoided producing 1.9 million metric
tons of virgin plastic (2020–2023).
 ○​ 62% of packaging was collected for 1.​ Coca-Cola made small but important
recycling. improvements in making its packaging more
○​ 14% of total drinks were sold in sustainable. First, the company increased its use
reusable containers in 2023. of recycled PET plastic (rPET) — the kind of
plastic made from used bottles — from 15% in
Concerns: 2022 to 17% in 2023. This means that out of all
the plastic Coca-Cola used in its bottles, a
●​ The 2023 report was internally reviewed only, slightly larger portion now comes from recycled
which may lead to bias or selective reporting. materials instead of new plastic.
●​ Some metrics changed from previous years,
making comparison difficult and raising Second, Coca-Cola improved how much of its packaging
questions about transparency.​ was collected for recycling. In 2022, 61% of its bottles
and cans were collected after use. In 2023, that number rose
●​ Investigative reports (e.g., Laville, 2022) to 62%. This shows that Coca-Cola is making progress
criticized Coca-Cola and other brands for toward its goal of recovering every bottle and can it sells by
misleading or incomplete environmental 2030, but still has a long way to go.
claims, such as:​
2.​ Global Brand Power: As the largest beverage
○​ Highlighting use of “ocean plastic” company, Coca-Cola has the ability to influence
while not disclosing that Coca-Cola is suppliers and set industry standards.​
the world’s top plastic polluter
(Eonette, 2020). 3.​ Diversified Brands: Owns Sprite, Fanta, Minute
Maid, Dasani, Powerade, and more — giving it a
B. Comparison with Industry Standards or Competitors wide market reach to promote eco-friendly
changes.​
When comparing Coca-Cola with PepsiCo, both are
making sustainability efforts, but there are differences:
Weaknesses:
●​ Water Efforts:​
●​ Still a Major Polluter: Coca-Cola continues to
○​ Coca-Cola (2022): Replenished 159% be named the #1 plastic polluter globally.
of water used in beverages. ●​ Slow Shift to Reusables: Only 14% of drinks
○​ PepsiCo (2022): Improved water-use are in reusable packaging.
efficiency by 22%; provided safe water ●​ Transparency Issues: Internal-only reviews and
to 12 million people.​ changing data points make it hard to verify their
true progress.
●​ Plastic Use:​
D. Public Opinion, Controversies, or Lawsuits
○​ Coca-Cola (2022): Used 3.43 million
metric tons of plastic — a 6% ●​ Coca-Cola has faced global criticism for
increase. contributing to plastic pollution.
○​ PepsiCo (2022): Used 2.6 million ●​ Environmental groups like Break Free From
metric tons — a 4% increase.​ Plastic continue to rank Coca-Cola as the top
plastic polluter year after year.

📌 Note: Metrics between companies are not always

●​ Critics say Coca-Cola is engaging in
“greenwashing” — making their actions sound
directly comparable because each company uses different more eco-friendly than they truly are.
measurement methods. ●​ Reports by media outlets (e.g., The Guardian)
have exposed inconsistent and misleading
C. Strengths and Weaknesses in Coca-Cola’s claims in Coca-Cola’s sustainability messages.
Sustainability Strategy
Conclusion (In Simple Terms)
Strengths:
Coca-Cola is making real efforts to improve its
environmental impact — especially in water, agriculture,
and recycled packaging. However, plastic waste remains a
huge problem, and their reports sometimes lack
transparency or feel like marketing. While they are doing
better than before, more honest reporting and faster
action are needed to truly solve their environmental
challenges.