By 2030, Coca-Cola could be responsible for dumping an estimated 602 million kilograms of plastic waste into oceans and waterways every year, according to a new report by the environmental non-profit Oceana. That’s equivalent to nearly 220 billion half-litre bottles — or enough plastic to fill the stomachs of 18 million whales.
The report paints a grim picture of the future, revealing the staggering environmental cost of the world’s largest beverage company’s plastic usage. It also comes amid growing alarm over the health risks of microplastics, which scientists increasingly associate with cancer, infertility, and heart disease.
“Coca-Cola is by far the largest manufacturer and seller of beverages in the world,” said Matt Littlejohn, senior vice president at Oceana. “Because of that, they matter when it comes to the impact of all this on the ocean.”
According to a 2024 study published in Science Advances, Coca-Cola remains the world’s top branded plastic polluter, followed by PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, and Altria.
Oceana’s projection is based on Coca-Cola’s publicly disclosed packaging data from 2018 to 2023, combined with sales growth forecasts under a “business-as-usual” scenario. If current trends continue, the company’s annual plastic use will surpass 4.13 million tonnes by 2030.
Researchers used a peer-reviewed model published in Science in 2020 to estimate how much plastic will reach aquatic ecosystems. The resulting figure—602 million kilograms—underscores the urgent need for intervention.
Oceana proposes a return to reusable packaging as a key solution. Refillable glass bottles, for example, can be reused up to 50 times, while heavier PET bottles are designed for at least 25 uses. Such shifts, Oceana argues, could dramatically reduce Coca-Cola’s plastic footprint and help stem the rising tide of marine pollution.
As the world faces a worsening plastic crisis, this report is a stark reminder: without meaningful corporate responsibility and scalable alternatives, our oceans will continue to pay the price. Read More
News Credit: The Guardian
Picture Credit: Maria Mendiola/Surfers Against Sewage/PA