The Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art returnable glass bottling line at its facility located in Edelstal, Austria.
Coca-Cola HBC invested €12 million in the project, with an additional €4 million grant provided by the Austrian government through its initiative to promote a circular economy in packaging for beverage companies and retailers.
The newly installed production line, known for its enhanced water and energy efficiency, is dedicated to manufacturing 400ml returnable and resealable glass bottles tailored for the Austrian market. Coca-Cola HBC asserts that this innovation is unique among its 29 markets and caters to the needs of both on-the-go and at-home consumers.
The addition of the new line substantially broadens Coca-Cola HBC’s lineup of returnable products, now encompassing 400ml glass bottles of Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.
This investment aligns with the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions throughout its entire value chain by 2040. Coca-Cola HBC has expanded its range of returnable packaging in response to increasing consumer interest in sustainable packaging solutions in Austria. Additionally, this move will aid customers in meeting upcoming retail quotas for returnable packaging, set to be implemented by 2024.
Coca-Cola HBC CEO, Zoran Bogdanovic, said, “For some years now, Coca-Cola HBC Austria has been at the forefront of pioneering new sustainable solutions, and we’re delighted that our focus on investment, innovation and partnerships are helping us to meet our goal of delivering our drinks in more sustainable ways. Austria is already one of our fastest-growing markets for reusable packaging, and this new line will further accelerate this packaging type, which is in demand by our customers and consumers alike.”
He continued, “As returnable packaging options offer a reduced carbon footprint, this new line in Austria further supports our Net Zero by 2040 goal. We’re grateful for the partnership with the Austrian Government as we work together towards a common goal of a greener business model and a better environment.”
Over the past twelve years, Coca-Cola HBC has achieved a 30% reduction in emissions within Scope 1, 2, and 3. Notably, packaging constitutes 34% of Scope 3 emissions within Coca-Cola HBC’s complete supply chain, making it a pivotal element in the company’s strategy for reducing carbon emissions.
