Coca-Cola introduces cell-based PET bottles

15 May 2009

The Coca-Cola company has introduced a new container called the "PlantBottle,'' made partially from sugar cane and molasses that can be recycled.

The "PlantBottle''is fully recyclable, has a lower reliance on a non-renewable resource, and reduces carbon emissions, compared with petroleum-based PET plastic bottles, the company said.

"The 'PlantBottle"' is a significant development in sustainable packaging innovation," said Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company. "It builds on our legacy of environmental ingenuity and sets the course for us to realise our vision to eventually introduce bottles made with materials that are 100 per cent recyclable and renewable."

Traditional PET bottles are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. The new bottle is made from a blend of petroleum-based materials and up to 30 percent plant-based materials.

The "PlantBottle'' is currently made through an innovative process that turns sugar cane and molasses, a by-product of sugar production, into a key component for PET plastic. Coca-Cola is also exploring the use of other plant materials for future generations of the "PlantBottle."

Manufacturing the new plastic bottle is more environmentally efficient as well. A life-cycle analysis conducted by Imperial College London indicates the "PlantBottle" with 30 per cent plant-base material reduces carbon emissions by up to 25 per cent, compared with petroleum-based PET.

Another advantage to the "PlantBottle" is that, unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET. Therefore, the material in the "PlantBottle" can be used, recycled and reused again and again.