Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Danone to change plastic recycling claims

Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Danone have agreed to modify environmental claims on their plastic bottles following pressure from the European Union. The companies will update their labeling to ensure consumers receive more accurate information regarding recyclability and composition.

Key changes include replacing phrases such as ‘I am a bottle made from 100% recycled plastic’ with ‘This bottle is 100% recycled, excluding the cap and label’ to clarify that certain components are not made from recycled material. Additionally, the companies will change ‘Recycle me again’ to ‘Recycle me’ to avoid creating the false impression that a bottle has already been recycled prior to purchase.

The European Commission, coordinating with the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, stated that these measures aim to prevent misleading ‘green’ messaging. National consumer protection authorities will monitor compliance, and the Commission may take action if the companies fail to adhere to these commitments.