Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverage Pvt Ltd (HCCB), a prominent FMCG company in India, has announced a significant environmental achievement. Its bottling plant located in the Bidadi Industrial Area, Ramanagara, Karnataka, has been recognized as carbon neutral, a first for a Coca-Cola bottling facility in India and the Southwest Asia region. This certification, adhering to the international PAS 2060 standard, will be officially granted by DNV, a globally recognized registrar and classification society, in May 2024. This marks a notable advancement in HCCB's commitment to sustainability.

HCCB's goal is to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25% by 2030 across its value chain. This strategy focuses primarily on reducing emissions before investing in verified carbon offset projects.

Since 2020, the Bidadi facility has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, with over 90% of its energy sourced from renewable sources. HCCB has also been proactive in optimizing energy consumption per litre of beverage produced.

To further its efforts in achieving carbon neutrality by 2024, HCCB plans to invest in Gold Standard certified carbon credits projects in India. The company is also committed to environmental conservation through various initiatives, including water replenishment, support for nature-based solutions, biodiversity enhancement, and promotion of regenerative agriculture in partnership with suppliers and farmers.

In 2021, The Coca-Cola Company globally committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 25% from its 2015 levels and achieving Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050.

Alok Sharma, Executive Director, Supply Chain at HCCB, commented on this achievement, stating that attaining carbon neutrality in their plant is not just a significant milestone for HCCB, but also sets new industry standards. He emphasized that this is the beginning of a broader commitment to sustainability across their supply chain.

Enrique Ackermann, Vice President – Technical Innovation & Supply Chain at Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, highlighted the company’s dedication to identifying sustainable solutions within their value chain to enhance climate resilience and minimize their carbon footprint. He acknowledged that the certification is a testament to their unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable future goals.

HCCB's initiatives align with the Government of India's vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation. Through these efforts, HCCB aims to comply with governmental guidelines and contribute to a collective movement towards a sustainable future.