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The Coca-Cola Company unveiled a new plastic bottle that’s made partially from plants.
The new package – called the “PlantBottle” – uses 30 percent plant-based material, is fully recyclable, has a lower reliance on non-renewable resources – like oil – and reduces carbon emissions compared with standard PET bottles, according to Coke.
The PlantBottle is made through a process that turns sugar cane and molasses into a component for PET plastic, but the company is exploring other plant materials for future generations of the PlantBottle.
According to a life-cycle analysis conducted by Imperial College London, the PlantBottle reduces carbon emissions by up to 25 percent. Unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET.
Coca-Cola North America will pilot the PlantBottle with Dasani and sparkling brands in select markets later this year and with vitaminwater in 2010. The bottles will be identified through on-package messages and in-store point of sale displays. Web-based communications will also highlight the bottles’ environmental benefits. •