ALPLA, a global packaging solutions provider, has joined forces with Coca-Cola India to introduce India’s first 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottle for packaged drinking water under the Kinley brand. This landmark achievement marks a significant step towards a circular economy in India’s packaging industry.
With ALPLA’s support, Coca-Cola India has successfully launched the rPET bottle, which is made entirely from recycled food-grade plastic. This development is particularly noteworthy as it is the first instance of a 100% rPET bottle being used in India for food or beverages. The initiative aligns with Coca-Cola’s global commitment to utilizing at least 50% recycled material in all packaging by 2030, with 90% of their current packaging already being recyclable and 15% of PET globally being recycled.
The introduction of the rPET bottle follows the approval of recycled PET in food packaging by the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), subject to compliance with their guidelines and thorough food safety review.
Enrique Ackermann, Vice President, Technical and Innovation, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, expressed pride in offering consumers a sustainable packaging option and emphasized the bottles’ recyclability and potential for repurposing. The launch aligns with the Indian government’s “Swachh Bharat Mission” (Clean India Mission) and the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
The use of rPET bottles contributes to the circular economy by conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions. Dr. S B P P Rammohan, Managing Director of Sri Sarvaraya Sugars Limited, the Franchise Bottling Partner of Coca-Cola in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the government’s vision of sustainable plastic use.
ALPLA’s Head of Sustainability at ALPLA India, Utsav Dixit, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with their global sustainability targets and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment. ALPLA aims to produce 100% recyclable packaging with an average of 25% recycled content by 2025, making this launch a significant step towards that goal in India.
Coca-Cola Bangladesh previously introduced 100% rPET bottles for Kinley water in December 2022, making them the first company in the South-West Asia (SWA) region to do so. The Coca-Cola Company now offers 100% rPET bottles in over 40 markets worldwide.