Coca-Cola’s Plastic Promises (45 mins)
From the WHY PLASTIC series produced by WHY Foundation (2021)
Password needed for screening.
KEY THEMES: Single-use plastic, environmental justice, soft drinks industry, petrochemical industry, circular economy
DESCRIPTION:
The soft drinks industry has faced growing criticism of the use of single-use plastic. In 2018 Coca-Cola, the world’s largest soft drinks producer, set ambitious targets to reduce the amount of its plastic packaging that ends up in the environment. It said that by 2030 it would collect one bottle or can for every one it sold and make them from 50% recycled material. Coca-Cola’s plan is to eliminate waste by turning old bottles into new ones.
In this film, we investigate Coca- Cola’s ‘World Without Waste’ strategy. Could it be a shining example for the whole beverage industry? Or is Coca-Cola’s plan to recycle its way out of the problem fundamentally flawed? And how well, after three years, is Coca-Cola doing around the world in meeting the commitments it has made?
QUESTIONS TO DEBATE:
– What are big corporations’ environmental responsibility versus that of the consumer?
– What do you think is the best way to tackle plastic pollution: binding policies or voluntary pledges?
– Is it effective to raise the issue of corporate responsibility, or could it have a counterproductive effect?
– Has this film changed your mind about anything?
