Coca-Cola's Annual Plastic Footprint Forecasted to Grow to 9.1 Billion Pounds by 2030

Core Insights - Oceana's report projects that Coca-Cola's plastic use will exceed 9.1 billion pounds (4.1 million metric tons) annually by 2030 without changes to its practices, representing a nearly 40% increase from 2018 and a 20% increase from 2023 [1][2] - The report estimates that up to 1.3 billion pounds (602,000 metric tons) of Coca-Cola's plastic packaging could enter waterways and oceans by 2030 if current practices continue, enough to fill the stomachs of over 18 million blue whales [2] - Coca-Cola's reliance on single-use plastic is highlighted as detrimental to oceans, human health, and business, with a call for a shift towards reusable packaging to reduce plastic use [3][7] Plastic Use and Environmental Impact - Coca-Cola is identified as the number one polluter of branded plastic in the environment, facing increasing scrutiny for its plastic use [4] - The company previously aimed to increase reusable packaging to 25% of sales but has since abandoned this goal, focusing instead on recycled content and collection of single-use plastic for recycling [5][6] - Despite investing nearly $1 billion in recycled plastic in 2022, this approach does not effectively reduce Coca-Cola's overall plastic footprint [5][6] Recommendations and Future Actions - Oceana suggests that Coca-Cola must take significant action to address its plastic problem rather than relying on ineffective measures [7] - If Coca-Cola is unwilling to change its practices, policymakers should consider interventions to address the company's global plastic issue [8]