Coca-Cola’s plastic consumption projected to exceed 9.1B pounds by 2030 – Oceana 

USA – Coca-Cola’s plastic consumption is expected to surpass 9.1 billion pounds annually by 2030 if the company maintains its current packaging practices, according to a recent report by Oceana, a non-profit environmental advocacy group.

This projection represents a staggering 40% increase from the company’s 2018 plastic usage and a 20% rise compared to its 2023 figures.

The report, titled Coca-Cola’s World With Waste, highlights the severe environmental impact of this growing plastic footprint.

Oceana estimates that by 2030, up to 1.3 billion pounds of Coca-Cola’s plastic packaging could enter the world’s waterways and oceans each year.

To put this into perspective, the report claims this amount of plastic waste could fill the stomachs of more than 18 million blue whales—underscoring the scale of the pollution crisis.

Oceana emphasizes that a shift towards reusable packaging could dramatically reduce Coca-Cola’s plastic waste.

If the company increased its share of reusable packaging to 26.4% by 2030, up from 10.2% in 2023, it could lower its annual plastic consumption below current levels.

The report points out that reusable plastic bottles can typically be refilled and reused up to 25 times, while glass bottles can be reused up to 50 times, significantly cutting down single-use plastic waste.

Moreover, each reusable bottle could prevent the production of up to 49 additional single-use plastic bottles, providing a scalable and effective solution to Coca-Cola’s plastic problem. 

Despite these potential benefits, Coca-Cola recently abandoned its goal of increasing reusable packaging to 25% of its total sales by 2030.

This decision has drawn increased scrutiny from environmental groups, as the company’s plastic consumption continues to rise amid growing concerns over the long-term health and environmental impacts of plastic waste.

Studies have linked plastic exposure to serious health risks, including cancer, infertility, and cardiovascular diseases, further intensifying the pressure on major corporations to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.

Matt Littlejohn, Senior Vice President of Oceana, criticized Coca-Cola’s reliance on single-use plastic, stating, “Coca-Cola’s future is currently tied, like an albatross around its neck, to single-use plastic.

“Single-use plastic is bad for the oceans, human health, and business. Recycling can’t solve the company’s out-of-control plastic problem. Reuse can.

“Coca-Cola’s plastic consumption and status as one of the world’s top plastic polluters are liabilities for its future, as well as for the oceans and the planet.”

As the global spotlight on plastic pollution intensifies, Coca-Cola faces mounting pressure to implement more sustainable packaging solutions.

Without meaningful action, the company risks both reputational and regulatory challenges as governments and consumers demand greater accountability in tackling plastic waste.

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