We envision a future where everyone can thrive. The company champions sustainable, responsible practices across its value chain and acknowledges the challenges ahead. Through Going Forward, its global sustainability plan for Western Europe, the focus centers on business, people, and the planet, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and prioritizing six areas: beverages, packaging, society, water, climate, and supply chain. Today, projects and commitments already address fourteen of the seventeen UN SDGs.
What are the main objectives achieved within Avanzamos?
The company has made meaningful progress across its activities. In beverages, the sugar per liter of Coca-Cola products has dropped by 23.9%. In addition, in Spain, low-calorie or no-calorie beverages accounted for 63% of sales volume in 2020, with a target of half of total salescoming from these products moving forward.
In packaging, the focus remains on circular economy goals. Nearly all containers used are recyclable or reusable, and ongoing measures aim to cut waste, recover materials, and extend reuse.
One of the most ambitious Spain-based initiatives is the Circular Seas project. It targets coastal waste, builds public awareness, and promotes the circular economy, collecting over 1,500 tons of waste in recent years.
Regarding water, the commitment is to promote sustainable management across the value chain. Since 2010, water use in production has fallen by 16.67%, nearing the 2025 target of a 20% reduction.
On climate, the company progresses toward zero emissions by reducing the absolute greenhouse gas footprint by 30% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2040.
For the supply chain, the goal is sourcing 100% of major agricultural ingredients from sustainable origins. All suppliers have complied with the Supplier Code of Conduct, and 100% of Coca-Cola Iberia’s suppliers and 92% of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ suppliers adhere to guiding supplier principles.
The organization has also expanded its societal commitments, supporting employees and communities through programs such as GIRA Jovenes and GIRA Mujeres to improve the education of young people and women.
Packaging is a crucial building block within the sustainability strategy. How does Coca-Cola handle the volume of waste it generates?
Packaging waste is viewed as a resource when managed correctly. Every container and material serves a purpose, and the aim is to improve waste collection, increase the use of recycled and recyclable materials, and enhance recycling processes. The company is ready to act now and play its part, aiming to collect and recycle 100% of what is placed on the market, no matter the source.
Europewide, the plan is to use an average of 50% recycled material in bottles and cans in 2023, with Spain achieving this by 2022, and to reach 100% recycled content by 2025. Spain already reports 99.7% recyclability or reusability of packaging today. The approach also includes lighter packaging and a greater share of recycled materials, with projects like Circular Seas delivering a first food-grade bottle made from recycled marine plastic.
Coca-Cola launched its Climate Action Plan at the end of 2020 to reach carbon neutrality by 2040. How is this challenge being pursued?
The Climate Action Plan, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, commits to net-zero emissions by 2040. Over the past decade, greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain have decreased by 44.8%. The current focus covers five areas: packaging, ingredients, operations, transport, and refrigeration equipment. The objective is to reach net-zero by 2040 and reduce absolute GHG emissions by 30% by 2030, relative to 2020, across the value chain.
Impact on the Valencian Community. How does Coca-Cola contribute to the region and its relevance?
The Valencian Community reflects Coca-Cola’s footprint, contributing 619 million euros to the group and representing 0.5% of regional GDP across direct and indirect supplier and customer activities. Employment tied to Coca-Cola exceeds 10,600 jobs in the region, including 547 direct positions at the Quart de Poblet plant and related facilities, plus numerous roles in trade and local suppliers. In sustainability, Coca-Cola participates in environmental projects with the community, returning more than the water used to nature and collaborating on coastal and inland cleanliness efforts.
Initiatives include Mares Circulares, aimed at cleaning coasts, waterways, and seabeds, while raising awareness about recycling and advancing the circular economy. These efforts underpin a broader dedication to sustainable growth in the Valencian Territory.
Celebrating World Oceans Day and the Mares Circulares project. What role does it play in the strategy?
The Circular Seas project embodies Coca-Cola’s commitment to protecting natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It supports beach, protected area, and seabed cleanups and educates citizens about recycling. Each year, three scientific studies and one business initiative address marine pollution, reinforcing a global Waste Free World pledge to collect 100% of cans and bottles and to foster innovative, sustainable packaging and a culture of reuse and recycling.
The aim is to collect and recycle the equivalent of all packaging sold, reinforcing Coca-Cola’s ongoing, global effort toward a circular economy.
What figures came from the latest Mares Circulares editions in the Valencian Community?
In the Valencian Community, over 3,000 volunteers joined the last four editions, collecting more than 577,000 kilograms of waste from ten beaches, two marine reserves, and three conservation areas. About 1,400 people participated in training and awareness activities, contributing to 150 collaborative projects with NGOs, organizations, and local partners.
Another notable effort is Hospitality #PorElClima. How did it start and what impact does it have in the Valencian Community?
Launched in 2017 on the ECODES Community for Climate platform, Hospitality #PorElClima translates Paris Agreement commitments to the hospitality sector. It gathers hotels and related businesses striving to minimize environmental footprints and promote sustainable practices. The initiative, presented in collaboration with Alicante Town Hall, the Provincial Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs, and local partners, has brought 169 Alicante establishments onto the platform. Nationally, over 2,000 organizations participate in Hospitality #PorElClima, advancing sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.