Lusaka, Zambia – Coca-Cola Central Beverages Zambia (CCBZ), has today unveiled a new iconic look of its leading sparkling lemon-lime flavored soft drink Sprite in a clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle packaging. This shift from its iconic green bottle means more Sprite bottles can be collected, recycled and reused to make new items, a move that is part of Coca-Cola’s World Without Waste vision, which targets to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells and use 50% recycled content in all its packaging by 2030.
“People in Zambia can enjoy the same great taste of their favourite sparkling lemon-lime drink knowing their bottle can be easily recycled and made into new items,” CCBZ general manager, Hebert Nuwamanya during the launch.
“The shift from the green bottle to clear PET is a significant step in driving our sustainability agenda which is a key element of our business. We know that our vision for a World Without Waste is ambitious and can be challenging but together with our partners, we are committed to the course. This move also allows us to work with partners in the recycling industry and with waste collectors and aggregators to achieve more value for our recyclable plastics,” said Nuwamanya.
Clear PET can be made into a wide range of new products, such as pillow and duvet inners, as well as into new bottles, making it more valuable than green PET, which has limited uses.
“The World Without Waste” strategy represents Coca-Cola’s commitment to doing business sustainably which includes addressing the packaging waste challenge. Additionally, clear PET plastic contributes to economic empowerment as it will contribute to enhanced income for waste reclaimers in Zambia who depend on collecting and selling packaging waste for a living,” added Nuwamanya.
Since its launch 60 years ago, Sprite has been known for its iconic green bottle and this marks a major milestone in its growth and sustainability in various markets.
With its presence in over 200 countries, including Zambia, Sprite’s new transparent look features a see-through bottle, refreshed icon of the brand’s bold Sprite ‘spark’ with a distinct label and bright green cover.
Zambia joins other African markets that include South Africa, Nigeria Ethiopia and Kenya to introduce the Sprite clear PET.
“Our consumers are at the heart of everything that we do and we would like to assure them that the new look Sprite is bolder and better and we have also taken into consideration the formulation aspect to ensure that consumers can still enjoy the great lemon lime taste,” said Faith Nehanda, Frontline marketing manager, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The new look Sprite is already available in retail outlets and Coca-Cola distributors across the country.
