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A new report from Oceana, “Coca-Cola’s World With Waste,” lays bare the beverage giant’s accelerating plastic consumption—despite mounting environmental and health concerns. If current trends persist, Coca-Cola’s plastic use will skyrocket beyond 9.1 billion pounds (4.1 million metric tons) annually by 2030. This would mark a nearly 40% increase from 2018 levels and a 20% surge compared to 2023 when the company’s plastic consumption was already enough to encircle the planet more than 100 times.
An Ocean Drowning in Plastic:
The consequences of this trajectory are dire. Oceana’s findings estimate that by 2030, as much as 1.3 billion pounds (602,000 metric tons) of Coca-Cola’s plastic packaging could flood into oceans and waterways—an amount capable of filling the stomachs of over 18 million blue whales.
“Coca-Cola’s future is currently tied, like an albatross around its neck, to single-use plastic,” said Oceana’s Senior Vice President Matt Littlejohn. “Single-use plastic is bad for the oceans, human health, and business. Recycling can’t solve the company’s out-of-control plastic problem. Reuse can.”
Yet, a solution exists. According to the report, if Coca-Cola were to increase its reusable packaging to 26.4% by 2030—up from just 10.2% in 2023—it could reverse its plastic growth trend. The potential impact is staggering: a single reusable plastic bottle can replace up to 25 single-use bottles, while a glass one can eliminate up to 50.
Coca-Cola, however, appears to be retreating from meaningful action. In December 2024, the company scrapped its goal of achieving 25% reusable packaging, instead focusing on recycled plastic content and single-use bottle collection. Despite investing nearly $1 billion in 2022 to source recycled plastic, Oceana’s report underscores a critical flaw: recycling alone will not shrink Coca-Cola’s plastic footprint.
“Single-use plastic bottles made with recycled content can — just like bottles made of virgin plastic — still become marine pollution and harm ocean life,” Littlejohn added.
Public Health Concerns:
According to a peer-reviewed study in Science, Coca-Cola is already under intense scrutiny as the number one branded plastic polluter. But as awareness grows, so does public outrage. Scientists are increasingly linking plastic exposure to severe health risks, including cancer, infertility, heart disease, autism, and diabetes.
Oceana warns that if Coca-Cola refuses to curb its plastic output, policymakers may be forced to intervene.
“The Coca-Cola Company’s plastic use and status as one of the most famous plastic polluters in the world is a liability for the future of the company, the oceans, and the planet. Coca-Cola needs to take real action to address its plastic problem now instead of focusing on measures that don’t meaningfully reduce its single-use plastic footprint,” Littlejohn said.
Can the Oceans Be Saved?
As the most significant global advocacy organisation for ocean conservation, Oceana is leading the charge against plastic pollution. With 325+ victories in overfishing, habitat destruction, and marine species protection, the organisation continues to push for science-backed policies that could restore ocean ecosystems. A future where one billion people can enjoy a daily seafood meal sustainably is still possible—but only if decisive action is taken.
The message is clear: Coca-Cola must choose—profit-driven plastic expansion or a future where oceans and human health aren’t collateral damage.
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