News and Stories

Sustainability Report 2021: en route to net zero

The Sustainability Report 2021 shows that Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) Switzerland again achieved ambitious goals. The company consumed less energy, less water and less packaging material overall while also increasing the use of recycled packaging material.

csr_report2021 csr_report2021

An important element of the sustainability strategy is the company’s clear commitment to local production. And the next big target is already in its sights, namely net-zero emissions along the entire value chain by 2040. All business decisions are therefore geared towards hitting this target. However, Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland cannot do this alone, but only by working together with its many local partners and suppliers. Having local roots is important to the company because it safeguards jobs as well as playing a key role in adding value at the local level. 95% of all ingredients for the beverages come from Switzerland.

netzeroby40_1 netzeroby40_1

The 2021 Sustainability Report was an important moment for the company to pause and reflect on precisely where it stands. Work is underpinned by science-based targets (SBTs). These measurable targets enable Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland to monitor its own progress and continue driving forward in all areas of the business.  

Leading the way in rPET

Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland remained committed to its aim of using less packaging material and reducing waste wherever possible in 2021. For example, the company increased the average amount of recycled PET (rPET) in their bottles to 57% in 2021, making a valuable contribution to the circular economy. This means that Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland has clearly exceeded the target of 35% recycled material by the year 2025 set by the Coca-Cola HBC Group. 

csr_report2021_rpet csr_report2021_rpet

Efficiency up – energy and water usage down

The two bottling sites in Dietlikon and Vals are being continually optimised to enhance efficiency and thus reduce energy consumption – whether for cooling, ventilation, room temperature or compressed air. When it comes to the water used to produce the beverages, Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland also considers it hugely important to use only as much as necessary and as little as possible overall. In 2021, it took just 1.55 liters of water to produce 1 liter of beverage – around 21% less than in 2010.

Women earn more

The most important ingredient at Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland? It is the workforce. Among employees, equality in the workplace is promoted as one of the key issues and is regularly analyzed: In 2021, the pay equality analysis revealed a finding that is probably unique in all of Switzerland. When taking personal qualifications and workplace characteristics into account, women actually earn 1.1% more than men at Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland.

Next steps

The sustainability projects are continuing to gather pace in 2022, and Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland is proud to have already reached numerous milestones in the first half of this year. For instance, all PET bottles for beverages produced in Switzerland have been made of 100% rPET since May. VALSER has also launched the first label-free PET bottle. And Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland is always doing all they can to cut water and energy usage further.

You can find more information about the company’s activities to benefit society and the environment in the 2021 Sustainability Report.