The 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability Index, one of the world’s leading global sustainability benchmarks, has again rated Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC), as Europe’s most sustainable beverage company.
This is the 7th time in 8 years that the Group, a growth-focused on consumer packaged goods (CPG) business and strategic bottling partner of the Coca-Cola Company, has been ranked number one in Europe and with its highest ever score is also ranked number two globally.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us closer to our communities than ever before and it continues to be a privilege to serve and support them,” commented CEO Zoran Bogdanović. “Therefore, I am particularly proud that, this year, the commitment of our people and partners in building a positive social and environmental impact has again been recognised. It is a commitment that is integral to our future growth and one that will never change. Staying humble in the face of the challenges and knowing that we have a long journey ahead will be two critical elements for our continued success.”
Coca-Cola HBC launched its 2025 sustainability commitments in September 2018 to address key global challenges, putting significant effort and energy into topics relevant to common welfare such as single-use plastic and packaging waste, inequality, climate change, health and nutrition, to name a few.
Two years ahead of the 2020 target date, the company reduced its carbon emissions by 25 per cent. Also, since 2010, Coca-Cola HBC has saved the equivalent of 1.53 million tonnes of CO2, while the amount of water used by manufacturing sites in water-risk areas was reduced by 7 per cent compared with 2017.
Additionally, more than 98 per cent of the 3.2 billion euros purchasing spend on goods and raw materials was local and four mineral water brands across five markets are now packaged in bottles made from 100 per cent recycled PET.
When it comes to social responsibility since the launch of the company’s flagship community programme, #YouthEmpowered in 2017, approximately 300,000 young people across 28 countries have been trained. Furthermore, 38 per cent of management roles are now held by women, with a target to reach 50 per cent by 2025.
