Coca-Cola HBC reinforces commitment to sustainability with new returnable glass bottling line in Austria

AUSTRIA – Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) has invested €12 million (US$12.7m) in a new high-speed returnable glass bottling line at its plant in Edelstal, Austria.

The investment was supported by a €4 million (US$4.2m) grant from the Austrian government as part of its fund for beverage companies and retailers to enable a circular economy for packaging.

The new glass bottling line will produce 400ml returnable and resealable glass bottles for the Austrian market. It is said to be more water and energy-efficient than previous lines and is a first across Coca-Cola HBC’s 29 markets.

The new addition to the Coca-Cola HBC portfolio includes Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in a 400 ml glass bottle, catering to both at-home and on-the-go consumption.

Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, stated, “Austria is already one of our fastest-growing markets for reusable packaging.

“This new line will further accelerate the demand for this packaging type, which is sought after by both our customers and consumers. As returnable packaging options offer a reduced carbon footprint, this new line in Austria further supports our goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040.

“We are grateful for the partnership with the Austrian Government as we work together towards a common goal of implementing a more sustainable business model and creating a healthier environment.”

With packaging apparently accounting for 34% of Scope 3 emissions across its supply chain, the company anticipates that this investment will help in achieving its objective of attaining zero emissions across its value chain by 2040.

It states that it has already reduced its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 30% in the last twelve years.

Furthermore, 62% of Austrian consumers are said to consider sustainability an important factor when choosing products to purchase. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for a wider range of returnable bottles to meet this consumer demand.

Customers can also utilize the packaging to fulfill future requirements for returnable packaging in retail, according to the company.

Meanwhile, in a sustainability drive, Coca-Cola HBC, in collaboration with packaging specialist Mondi, has introduced Hug-IT, a paper sleeve packaging.

The new paper packaging is designed to replace the existing plastic shrink wrap used to package 1.5l PET multipacks of Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Mezzo Mix sparkling soft drink brands.

Hug-IT sleeve is made of Mondi’s Advantage SpringPack Plus, which is a 100% kraft paper derived from wood.