Coca-Cola Removes Misleading Recycling Imagery Following EU Pressure

The Coca-Cola Company agreed to revise its plastic bottle labels to clarify that only the body of the bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic, while the label and cap are excluded.

This follows a complaint by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and others regarding misleading recyclability claims. Coca-Cola will remove green imagery like closed recycling loops from packaging and change the label message from “Recycle me again” to “Recycle me.” The company stated that these changes do not imply an admission of legal wrongdoing. BEUC called Coca-Cola the first to voluntarily update recycling claims after the complaint was filed in November 2023. Consumer groups expect authorities to ensure that Coca-Cola follows through on its commitments.