Coca-Cola faces backlash after report exposes 'trail of broken promises'

Coca-Cola is one of the biggest plastic polluters in the world. Despite the company's claims to reduce plastic waste, it continues to generate massive amounts of plastic waste each year.

What's happening?

Coca-Cola is facing backlash after a new report revealed the company's "alarming rate" of plastic production. A Reddit post exposed the company's wasteful practices, breaking down the report for fellow internet users. 

The OP noted how Coca-Cola not only produces 200,000 bottles per minute, but also generates a whopping 3.3 million tons of plastic packaging each year, reported The Guardian. What makes these statistics more frustrating, though, is that they contradict the company's public commitment to reduce plastic waste, a campaign Coca-Cola has been publicizing since the 1990s. 

"However, our [analysis] reveals a shocking trail of broken promises by Coca-Cola, where they fail their commitments, use unclear wording, creative accounting, or infrequent reporting to hide the lack of progress towards their stated goals," wrote the OP.

"It's a shame that all these companies selling plastic bottles and aluminum cans aren't pushing for reusable bottles of some sort," responded one user.

On top of producing a significant amount of plastic waste, the company has also been caught lobbying against legislation to combat single-use plastics. This is especially concerning considering that Coca-Cola has publicly announced its commitment to reducing plastic waste; yet behind closed doors, the company pushes for single-use plastics. 

Why is the new report important?

The new report highlights the inconsistency in Coca-Cola's efforts to minimize plastic waste. While the company has rolled out sustainable initiatives, such as its partnership with the United Nations to support recycling efforts, these pale in comparison to the company's overall plastic production.

Plastic waste takes hundreds of years to break down, leaching toxic microplastics into the environment. These microplastics end up in our waterways, soil, and in local wildlife, threatening public health and biodiversity. 

What's being done about Coca-Cola's environmental footprint?

Coca-Cola has rolled out sustainable initiatives in an effort to reduce its plastic production.

One way the company has partnered with different recycling companies across the globe to improve their PET processing, a plastic product used for food and beverage packaging. 

Which of these savings plans for rooftop solar panels would be most appealing for you? Save $1,000 this year 💸 Save less this year but $20k in 10 years 💰 Save less in 10 years but $80k in 20 years 🤑 Couldn't pay me to go solar 😒 Click your choice to see results and earn rewards to spend on home upgrades.

However, despite these improvements, it's clear Coca-Cola needs to do more to minimize its environmental footprint. Redditors continued to discuss solutions for combating major corporate waste.

"If you are anti consumption, it is a given to cut Coke and Pepsi brands ENTIRELY," wrote one user. "It's only difficult for a moment. It improves your health, your wallet, and your soul."

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.