Kenya launches Sprite Clear Pet Bottle to enhance Plastic Collection and Recycling

Kenya has become the fourth African market to launch the Sprite Clear PET bottle packaging. The move from the green iconic packaging to a new clear PET was announced during a media event to launch the #LetsBeClear campaign on June 25, 2021 in Nairobi.

The lemon-lime flavored Sprite which now also has a better refreshing taste is marking a historic shift from the green-colored plastic bottle which has been its identity since 1960 when it was first launched. The clear bottles are easier to recycle than the green which means more Sprite bottles will be collected and recycled contributing to our World Without Waste targets which aim to collect a bottle or can for everyone we sell by 2030 and to include 50% recycled content in our bottles by 2030.

Speaking during the launch Debra Mallowah, Vice President, Coca‑Cola East and Central Africa Franchise observed that the shift from the green bottle to clear PET is a significant step in driving the company’s sustainability agenda which is a key element of the business. “The vision for a World Without Waste is ambitious and can be challenging but together with partners, the company is committed to the cause. This move also allows the company to work with partners in the recycling industry, and with waste collectors and aggregators to achieve more value from recyclable plastics,” she said.

The clear PET plastic also contributes to economic empowerment as it will lead to enhanced income for waste reclaimers in Kenya who depend on collecting and selling packaging waste for a living. Clear PET can be recycled and re-used to make a wide range of new products, such as pillow and duvet inners, as well as new bottles, making it more valuable than green PET, which has limited uses.

In his statement during the launch, Coca‑Cola Beverages Africa-Kenya Managing Director Xavi Selga observed that consumers in Kenya can now enjoy the refreshing taste of their favourite sparkling lemon-lime drink knowing their bottle can be easily recycled and made into new items. This he said is a plus in the joint efforts to grow the beverage business while contributing towards more sustainable environmental practices.

“Consumers are at the heart of everything that the company is doing and the new-look Sprite has  an improved recipe that will deliver the most refreshing lemon lime taste,” stated Isabelle Kariuki-Rostom, the Franchise Marketing Director, Coca‑Cola East and Central Africa Franchise.

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