Coca-Cola Trademark brands (Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar, Coca-Cola Flavors) will debut a 13.2-oz. bottle made from 100% recycled PET (rPET) plastic this month in California, Florida and select states in the Northeast, with other sparkling beverage brands following this summer.

“Challenges around plastic packaging waste and recycling continue to be top of mind for our consumers, customers and our system,” said Alpa Sutaria, vice president and general manager, sustainability, North America Operating Unit. “Introducing 100% recycled PET bottles is a big proof point of how recycling can help create a circular economy.”

The new 13.2-oz. bottle, the first Coca-Cola package made from 100% rPET in the U.S., offers a convenient, sippable portion size. “On-the-go consumers have been telling us they want an option like this, because it’s just the right amount for the ‘snacking’ occasion,” noted Tammy Lee, brand manager, Coca-Cola Trademark.

Coca-Cola Trademark brands to unveil bottles made from 100% recycled PET.

Coca-Cola North America’s rPET innovations span the portfolio and include multiple brands and packaging sizes:

• Coca-Cola trademark brands will roll out 20-oz. bottles made with 100% rPET in California, New York and Texas starting this month

• DASANI will launch 20-oz. 100% rPET bottles in New York, California and Texas in March

• smartwater will launch 20-oz. 100% rPET bottles in New York and California in July

• Sprite will launch a 13.2-oz 100% rPET clear bottle in the Northeast, California and Florida this month. All Sprite packaging will transition to clear packaging, which is easier to be recycled and remade into new bottles, by the end of 2022

Combined, these innovations represent a 20% reduction in the company’s use of new plastic across its North American portfolio compared to 2018. They will collectively reduce 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually in the U.S., based on internal company tools and analyses.

The Coca-Cola Company now offers 100% rPET bottles in more than 25 markets, bringing it closer to its World Without Waste goal of making bottles with 50% recycled content by 2030.

Announced in 2018, the sustainable packaging platform also includes a goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of a bottle or can for every one the company sells globally by 2030, and to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025. More than 94% of the company’s North American packaging is currently recyclable.

To build awareness and encourage action, all 100% rPET package labels will include “Recycle Me Again” messaging and four different areas on the packaging will educate people about recycling.