DASANI and Odwalla available in PlantBottle

As of April 4, 2011, the first 100 percent recyclable beverage packages made with plants are readily available to people across the U.S. enabling customers to enjoy the fresh taste of DASANI or the nourishing Odwalla beverage in a more environmentally responsible package made from plants.

Just in time for Earth Month, DASANI a brand of The Coca-Cola Company and Odwalla a brand of Odwalla, Inc. are saying goodbye to their current packaging and saying hello to new PlantBottle packaging. All DASANI bottles and Odwalla single-serving bottles will be available exclusively in PlantBottle packaging—the first-ever fully recyclable plastic beverage bottle produced using plants.

Single-serve Odwalla packages are made from up to 100 percent plant-based materials with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles for DASANI are made with up to 30 percent plant-based materials.

People in the U.S. will be among those enjoying refreshment from billions of PlantBottle packages that will reach store shelves this year. In 2010, more than 2.5 billion PlantBottle packages were available across nine countries. For 2011, that number is expected to double to more than five billion PlantBottle packages in more than 15 countries.

“It’s our goal to make traditional plastic bottles a thing of the past and ensure that every beverage we produce is available in 100 percent plant-based, fully recyclable packaging,” says Scott Vitters, general manager, PlantBottle Packaging Platform, The Coca-Cola Company. “The national launch of DASANI PlantBottle packaging represents an important step toward reducing our carbon footprint, and the up to 100 percent plant-based, recyclable packaging used for Odwalla is the first of its kind in the beverage industry.”

Traditional PET bottles are made from petroleum and other nonrenewable fossil fuels. Incorporating a blend of petroleum-based materials with up to 30 percent plant-based materials allows PlantBottle packaging for DASANI to reduce potential intrinsic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when compared with PET plastic bottles.

“DASANI is designed to make a difference by offering a better designed package for a more sustainable future,” exclaims John Roddey, vice-president and general manager, Water, Tea and Coffee, Coca-Cola North America. “Because DASANI PlantBottle packaging is up to 30 percent made from plants and still 100 percent recyclable, it was designed with the planet in mind by helping to reduce the impact of our packaging on the environment.”

PlantBottle packaging used for Odwalla is made of HDPE plastic, which is created using only ethylene and is derived from 100 percent renewable sugarcane-based ethanol. Odwalla is the first nationally distributed beverage brand to transition its packaging to fully recyclable, HDPE plastic made from 100 percent plant-based materials.

“The launch of PlantBottle packaging for Odwalla represents a significant step in our brand’s ongoing efforts to protect our planet,” states Alison Lewis, president of Odwalla. “Since its inception, Odwalla has maintained a very simple vision: make great juice, do good things for the community and build a business with a heart.”

The plant-based materials for both DASANI and Odwalla PlantBottle packaging are produced through a process that turns sugarcane into a key component for PET and HDPE plastic. Currently, PlantBottle packaging is made using sugarcane ethanol from Brazil, the only source widely recognized globally for its unique environmental and social performance. Brazilian sugarcane is primarily rain fed and industrially grown on abundant, arable land using organic fertilizers. The plantations from which PlantBottle materials are sourced are located far away from Amazon rain forests, and their impact on biodiversity is reduced thanks to advanced farming practices and sound public policy.

Unlike other plant-based plastics, PlantBottle packaging is entirely recyclable and can be processed through existing systems. This ensures PlantBottle packaging can be repeatedly used, recycled and reused. In addition, there are no differences in shelf life, weight, composition or appearance between traditional PET plastic bottles and PlantBottle plastic bottles.

In late 2009, PlantBottle packaging was launched in the western U.S. and eight other markets around the world. To date, PlantBottle packaging is estimated to have eliminated the equivalent of 30,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), or three million gallons of gasoline used to produce PET plastic bottles. Currently, The Coca-Cola Company is working to further technology so other plant materials can be used in future PlantBottle packaging. The ultimate long-term goal is to turn waste into a resource, resulting in a carbon neutral, 100 percent renewable, responsibly sourced bottle that is fully recyclable.

“Several approaches to a PET package made entirely from plants have been successfully demonstrated in laboratory testing. We’re working to advance this breakthrough science to ensure it is commercially viable,” says Vitters. “PlantBottle packaging means only good things for everybody. We welcome others in the industry joining us in advancing the science behind packaging made from plants.”

The technology used to make PlantBottle packaging already has been adopted by Heinz, which recently announced it will begin packaging its ketchup using that technology this summer under license from The Coca-Cola Company.

The Coca-Cola Company is a leader in the development of sustainable packaging. It was the first company to introduce a beverage bottle made with recycled plastic. It also has invested in recycling infrastructure to ensure that the Company is doing its part to collect, recycle and re-use its packaging. These efforts are focused on helping to ‘close the loop’ and produce truly sustainable beverage packages.

The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. The Company’s portfolio includes: Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand; Diet Coke; Fanta; Sprite; Coca-Cola Zero; vitaminwater; Powerade; Minute Maid; Simply, Dasani and; Georgia. Globally, it’s number one provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the company’s beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, Coca-Cola is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.
For more information visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

Odwalla

Odwalla, Inc. delivers nourishment coast to coast with its family of juices, juice drinks, smoothies, protein drinks, and nourishing food bars. Odwalla has been making juices and innovating in the natural health beverage category for 30 years. Its nourishing beverages and food bars are available in natural food stores, select supermarkets and specialty outlets throughout the country. To learn more about Odwalla products and its commitment to the environment, visit www.odwalla.com.