Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey proposed using more plastic bottles for packaging the beverage to offset the cost of the 25% tariffs imposed by President Trump on aluminum imports to the U.S.
“If aluminum cans become more expensive, we can place more emphasis on PET bottles,” Quincey said, referring to polyethylene terephthalate, the plastic used for making single-use plastic bottles and food packaging.
In December, the company announced it was revising its climate goals to focus more on using recyclable materials instead of reducing virgin plastic (the most commonly used and produced plastic) and single-use plastic.
Coca-Cola is responsible for 11% of global plastic pollution that “carries a company’s brand,” according to a recent study.
By 2035, the company stated it aims to increase the use of recycled plastic in its packaging from 30% to 35% and “to contribute to the collection of 70% to 75% of the plastic bottles released into the market each year.”
“Any increase in the use of plastic bottles by Coca-Cola will directly harm the environment – and the health of its customers,” said an activist to the“Washington Post“.
Studies have linked microplastics to the development of colon cancer and lung cancer, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
