Key Initiatives

WWF and the Better Sugar Cane Initiative (BSI)

The Coca-Cola Company is working with WWF, with the initial focus on sugar cane production:

• To promote more sustainable agricultural practices
• To reduce the impact of our supply chain on water resources

In 2008 we signed up to the Better Sugar Cane Initiative (BSI). The BSI is a global, non-profit initiative that brings together companies, NGOs and other organisations to reduce the environmental and social impacts of sugar cane production.

The Coca-Cola Company and WWF are working with the BSI to establish standards, evaluate suppliers and set goals for the purchase of sugar - plus look for ways of measurably improving water use.

Bottle innovation

We have also begun working with suppliers to develop a bottle made with by-products of sugar cane production sourced from Brazil and India. Made of plant derivatives, it will be tested in select markets later this year with both still and sparkling drinks.

According to research carried out by Imperial College London, this method of bottle manufacture produces 25% fewer carbon emissions than making all-plastic bottles.

Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI)

Since 2005, we have been part of the food industry group, Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI). As part of this group, we can engage with other stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain, share knowledge and support the development and implementation of internationally accepted standards for sustainable agriculture.

We also participate in the SAI Platform Working Group on Fruits. This develops sustainable fruit production practices and improves environmental and socio-economic conditions in fruit-growing communities.

As part of the initiative, we worked with Citrovita - one of our orange suppliers in Brazil - on a pilot project. The aim was to improve the handling and application of pesticides and to address damage caused by fruit flies. We are now continuing this project with Cutrale - another juice supplier.