In a call with investors, James Quincey, the CEO of Coca-Cola, stated that if President Donald Trump’s tariffs end up raising the cost of aluminium cans, the business may have to sell more drinks in plastic bottles in the US. It follows Trump’s proposal to impose a 25% import tariff on all steel and aluminium coming into the US, which may ultimately result in higher costs for canned goods and beverages.
The beverage behemoth lowered its sustainability goal in December, aiming to use 35% to 40% recycled materials in its packaging by 2035 instead of 50% by 2030. Coca-Cola has been named the “top global plastic polluter” by environmental organisations for six years running.
We still have alternative packaging options that will enable us to compete in the affordability market even if one package experiences a slight increase in input costs,” Quincey stated. For example, if aluminium cans become more expensive, we can emphasise PET [plastic] bottles more. By claiming that packaging accounts for a comparatively tiny portion of his company’s expenses, the Coca-Cola CEO also attempted to lessen the effect of the tariffs on his operations.
As part of its marketing and sustainability goals, Coca-Cola has started offering more drinks in aluminium containers in recent years. Over time, aluminium cans are far more recyclable than plastic bottles, even though they are typically more costly.
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