Coca-Cola Hbc Sets out New Sustainability Targets Supporting Its Purpose to Inspire a Better Future

Coca-Cola Hbc Sets out New Sustainability Targets Supporting Its Purpose to Inspire a Better Future

• 07.10.2016

• The company’s 7 new 2020 goals aim at minimizing the environmental footprint, improving production efficiency and developing communities, while supporting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Zug, Switzerland – 29 September 2016 – Coca-Cola HBC, ranked global beverage industry sustainability leader by Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) earlier this month, announces new sustainability targets.

By 2020 the company commits to:
• Take 40% of the total energy used from renewable and clean energy sources
• Recover for recycling at least 40% on average of total packaging placed on our markets
• Source 20% of the total PET used from recycled PET and/or PET from renewable material
• Reduce the amount of primary packaging by 25% per liter of beverage produced
• Certify over 95% of key agricultural ingredients against the Coca-Cola system’s Sustainable Agricultural Guiding Principles
• Invest at least 2% of its annual pre-tax profit in communities
• At least 10% of its employees to be taking part in volunteering initiatives during work time

The seven new targets build on the initial 2020 commitments announced last year to reduce water and direct carbon emission intensity of the company by 30% and 50% respectively.

In the last couple of years, Coca-Cola HBC reduced its water usage by 2.1 billion liters, equivalent to a glass of water to everyone on Earth. In the last five years, the global carbon footprint of its products was reduced by 1.07 million tons as a result of investing in energy efficient and low-carbon technologies. This is comparable to the total annual greenhouse gas emissions of over 200,000 passenger cars.

In 2015, the company invested €8.2 million – 2.3 % of its pre-tax profit – to support community wellbeing, environmental, water stewardship and youth development, partnering with more than 230 NGOs.

Dimitris Lois, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC, said: “The ambitious targets we announce today reflect our commitment to inspire a better future for our people and the communities we serve. These are part of our overall strategy that established Coca-Cola HBC as a leader in sustainability among beverage companies, and show that we are determined to grow our business responsibly, profitably and sustainably.”

A product for everyone, for every occasion – choice and innovative packaging

People consume our products every day in the 28 countries, where Coca-Cola HBC operates. The company offers a variety of soft drinks, juice and water products to serve the changing consumer needs. Coca-Cola HBC offers one of the most diverse product portfolios to consumers with close to one third of sales in 2015 coming from juices, waters and ready-to-drink tea, compared to 10% in 2001. The company sales of juice products grew by 8% in 2015. Low and no calorie sparkling soft drinks account for 7% of total sales, growing at a high rate, contributing 25% of additional volume sold in 2015.

Coca-Cola HBC also focuses on offering its drinks in innovative packaging. By employing state-of-the-art technologies, we have introduced bottles which contain more than 50% recycled material. Further, our “Twist” bottles are 22% lighter than previous containers. PLANTBottle® usage significantly increased by an outstanding 254% last year. PLANTBottles® contain 30% plant based material, and are fully recyclable. They are now available in 10 of the 28 markets where Coca-Cola HBC operates, and more will be joining next year.

2015 key performance highlights:
• 33.311 employees
• 43.000 suppliers
• €1.3 billion spent in direct procurement
• €271 million total taxes paid
• 11.7 % direct carbon emissions reduction year-on-year
• Energy use ratio improved by 7.2% year-on-year
• 19.4% increase of recycled PET usage year-on-year
• 87% sustainable engagement score

Read more about Coca-Cola HBC sustainability performance at http://coca-colahellenic.com/en/sustainability/

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Coca-Cola Hellenic Moldova

Coca-Cola HBC is one of the largest bottlers of non-alcoholic beverages in Europe. Operating in 28 countries with a total population of more than 550 million, Coca-Cola HBC was created in August 2000 with the merger of the Athens-based Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. with Coca-Cola Beverages plc. Coca-Cola HBC|s product line includes carbonated (CSD) and non-carbonated (non-CSD) soft drinks, juices, water, sports and energy drinks, and ready-to-drink beverages such as teas and coffees. With a geographical range that stretches from the Republic of Ireland to the eastern-most parts of Russia, and from Estonia to Nigeria, Coca-Cola HBC is focused on meeting the demands and local tastes and cultures of all of its markets. The key ingredient in the company|s performance is the commitment, enthusiasm and total dedication of every management member and of the more than 41,000 Coca-Cola HBC employees. Coca-Cola HBC is committed to cultivating a diverse, rewarding culture that encourages people to develop to their fullest potential.