Why Coca-Cola HBC is the Most Sustainable Beverage Company

Coca-Cola HBC has been ranked as the world’s most sustainable beverage company in the S&P Global Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices 2024. 

It has also received a double-A rating from CDP on climate and water. 

“We continuously evolve our business model to deliver growth successfully and sustainably at the same time and take a clear and strategic approach to sustainability that makes our business more resilient,” says Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC.

“Each year we make good progress towards our ambitious and measurable objectives in sustainability. In 2025, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved our NetZeroby40 target which, for the first time, includes Egypt.

“We know that sustainability initiatives are increasingly important for our customers and consumers. Our customers tell us they value our sustainability expertise and our joint sustainability initiatives help grow their business, which, in turn helps make our own business stronger.

“Thank you to our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for helping us to continue our journey and open up a more sustainable future.”

How Coca-Cola HBC approaches water sustainability

The company is consistently reducing water consumption in its plants by investing in advanced technologies and reusing water for cleaning through sophisticated filtration systems.

One of Coca-Cola HBC’s initiatives is the creation of a 'Forest Infiltration Area' in Nogara, Italy. 

The company collaborates with local stakeholders to protect water resources and ensures that all water is returned to the natural environment in a condition that supports aquatic life. 

This approach aligns with its internal efficiency standards which incorporate water-saving technologies into production lines and set stringent targets for its teams.

Coca-Cola HBC monitors its progress using key performance indicators such as the water usage ratio (WUR) and the wastewater compliance ratio (WWCR).

Climate action at Coca-Cola HBC

Coca-Cola HBC's climate strategy is underpinned by science-based targets and a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction:

• By 2030, the company aims to reduce its value chain emissions by 25% compared to a 2020 baseline
• A further 50% reduction is targeted for the following decade, leading to net zero emissions by 2040
• The company has already halved its direct emissions over the past decade.

“Obviously the strategy has evolved over the years, but it remains in line with the evolution of requirements and overall progress that has happened in technology,” explains Marcel Martin, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Coca-Cola HBC.

“One of our biggest focuses at the moment is packaging, which allows us to have the biggest impact on our customers, and we’re very proud of the progress we’ve made."

Coca-Cola HBC’s Mission 2025 sustainability commitments reflect this:

• 100% of its consumer packaging will be recyclable
• Source 35% of the total PET used from recycled PET and/or PET from renewable material
• Help collect the equivalent of 75% of primary packaging.

Because the company is present in 29 markets, it also faces 29 different sets of regulations which pose challenges for Marcel and the company in terms of collection. 

“Despite differences in terms of policy, environmental policies and requirements, we average around 60% for packaging collection of our products now,” Marcel says.

Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE. 

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.

Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand