Packaging
When it comes to packaging, we are focused on reducing, reusing and recycling.
We reduce environmental impact by using less. Over the last 10 years, we have reduced the amount of plastic in our U.S.- and Canada-branded 0.5-liter polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles by more than 50% and the caps by 25%.
In addition, we converted our 1-gallon high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle to a lightweight model – reducing the resin gram weight from 63 grams to 56 grams – which lowered our plastic use by 2.8 million pounds.
To reduce total weight and waste, we have made our plastic cups lighter, too.
We are continuing to work with our suppliers to source environmentally friendly and reduced-plastic packaging options.
In terms of reuse, our U.S.- and Canada-branded 3-gallon (11.3-liter) and 5-gallon (18.9-liter) polycarbonate water bottles are reused up to 50 times. At the end of their usable life, these bottles are recycled and used to make new products. This closed-loop recycling system allows us to reduce our carbon footprint by ensuring that bottles do not end up in landfills.
Regarding recycling, all of our packaging is 100% recyclable, including the bottles, caps and outerwrap. Plus, our 1- and 2.5-gallon bottles are shipped in reusable, recyclable corrugated boxes.
We are also using 25% rHDPE – recycled content – in our new HDPE bottles. In California, we have also begun using rPET bottles, made with 25% recycled content, and we plan to introduce this rPET initiative across the U.S. later this year. These initiatives have saved 2.8 million pounds of plastic resin.
Our refill business also has a positive impact on the environment, giving users the ability to reuse and refill their empty bottles at various retail outlets.