Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Invests €146 Million in Sustainable Bottling Facility Upgrade

Introduction

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced a significant investment of €146 million ($171 million) to modernize its Grigny bottling facility in France. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and industry innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9).

Investment Details and Production Enhancement

1. Installation of a new high-speed returnable glass bottle production line at the Grigny plant.
2. Expected annual output increase by 60%, reaching 175 million unit cases.
3. Production capacity of 60,000 returnable bottles per hour, supporting diverse beverage types and sizes.

Environmental Impact and Alignment with SDGs

• Returnable Bottles: Each glass bottle can be reused up to 25 times, significantly reducing plastic waste and landfill contributions, addressing SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Waste Reduction: The initiative tackles Coca-Cola’s previous challenges as a major plastic polluter by promoting circular economy principles.
• Energy Efficiency: The facility will connect to a local geothermal network, reducing gas boiler usage and cutting gas consumption by 80%, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Renewable Energy Integration: Installation of 3,500 square meters of solar panels, heat recovery systems, and advanced cooling technologies, resulting in a 15% reduction in site pollution, equivalent to approximately 700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

Community and Workplace Benefits

• Improved air quality and reduced noise pollution for the local community.
• Creation of a modern, sustainable workplace aligned with future environmental standards.
• Enhanced industrial performance combined with strong local engagement, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Leadership Statement

François Gay-Bellile, CEO of CCEP France, emphasized the dual focus on modernization and decarbonization: “Grigny has become a true center of excellence, combining industrial performance and local roots. Modernization and decarbonization sit at the heart of this transformation, which benefits our customers, consumers, and employees.”

Conclusion

This strategic investment by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners demonstrates a robust commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By integrating circular economy practices, renewable energy, and energy-efficient technologies, the Grigny facility upgrade exemplifies corporate responsibility aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article highlights Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ investment in returnable glass bottles, promoting reuse and reducing waste.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The facility’s decarbonization efforts, including geothermal energy use and solar panels, contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Modernization of the bottling facility with new high-speed production lines and green technologies reflects innovation and infrastructure development.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improvements in air quality and noise reduction benefit the local community of Grigny.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education and awareness on climate change mitigation.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean technologies.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality improvements.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 12.5
   • Reduction in waste generation measured by the number of reusable bottles produced and used (up to 25 times reuse per bottle).
2. Indicators for SDG 13.2 and 13.3
   • Percentage reduction in gas consumption (80% reduction through geothermal energy).
   • Annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions (700 tonnes CO2 per year).
3. Indicator for SDG 9.4
   • Implementation of clean technologies such as solar panels (3,500 square meters), heat recovery systems, and efficient cooling technologies.
   • Increase in production efficiency (60% increase in output).
4. Indicator for SDG 11.6
   • Improvement in local air quality and reduction in noise pollution as a result of modernization and decarbonization.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: thecooldown.com