Around 111 million soft drink bottles in Australia each year will now be made with 100 per cent recycled plastic, as Asahi Beverages continues its transition to eco-friendly materials.
The change will apply to all 450ml and 600ml bottles of soft drinks sold by Asahi Beverages, including popular brands Pepsi Max, Solo, Schweppes and Sunkist.
The move follows Asahi Beverages’ bottled water brands Cool Ridge Still Water and Frantelle’s, which have been sold in 100 per cent recycled PET for several years already. It brings the total number of 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles produced by Asahi to more than 640 million every year.
“The announcement means consumers can now have confidence when they buy our 450ml or 600ml soft drinks that the plastic bottle they’re drinking from has been sustainably sourced,” said Robert Iervasi, Asahi Beverages Group CEO.
“Using only eco-friendly materials is a big part of our ambitious sustainability agenda. Some of our brands have been around for more than 150 years. If they’re to be around in another 150 years and beyond, they need to be sustainably produced.”
According to Kyle Faulconer, PepsiCo ANZ’s CEO, the company is proud to be in collaboration with Asahi Beverages to move to recycled plastic across some of our most iconic beverages.
“Asahi plays an important role in helping us drive toward a circular economy and reduce plastic waste,” Faulconer continued.
“This move forms part of our global commitment to PepsiCo Positive, which guides our business on how we inspire positive change for the planet and people.”
Asahi Beverages’ and PepsiCo’s other soft drink bottles – 1.1L, 1.25L and 2L – will start transitioning to 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles next year.
Last year, Asahi Beverages formed an industry partnership with Pact Group, Cleanaway and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners to build two new PET plastic recycling plants.
The first in Albury NSW was officially opened on 11 March, while the second in Altona North, Victoria will be complete in 2023.
