3.01.2000 ET

(CSRwire) An increasing amount of misinformation is being circulated regarding the Coca-Cola system and its use of recycled plastic. Consumers should be aware that the Coca-Cola system is using recycled content plastic in bottles produced for the U.S. marketplace. During the year 2000, we expect to produce several billion PET plastic bottles made with post-consumer recycled content. The system has been the primary user of recycled plastic packaging in the U.S. soft-drink industry for the past 2 years, and we anticipate that our use of recycled content plastic will significantly expand over time.

Soft-drink containers are America’s most recycled package, and PET bottles are accepted by more than 90 percent of the nation's 9300 curbside recycling programs. The PET soft-drink bottles that Americans are putting out for recycling are being used in a variety of new products (e.g. carpet, clothing, auto parts, containers and luggage). The Coca-Cola system spends over $2 billion annually on recycled content materials in the U.S. alone (over $5 billion worldwide).

We are very proud of our environmental record. The Coca-Cola system is working to develop new opportunities to increase collection of PET plastic, reduce soft drink related litter, and promote comprehensive solutions to solid waste management issues. For decades, we have been a leader in progressive environmental programs and policies, and we continue to be at the forefront of recycling issues.