Asahi's soft drinks switch to 100 per cent recycled plastic

All 450ml and 600ml bottles of soft drinks sold by Asahi Beverages, including popular brands Pepsi Max, Solo, Schweppes and Sunkist will now be made with 100 per cent recycled plastic in Australia.

It brings the total number of 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles produced by Asahi Beverages to more than 640 million each year. Asahi Beverages’ bottled water brands Cool Ridge Still Water and Frantelle’s are already made from 100 per cent recycled PET and have been for several years.

Asahi Beverages Group CEO Robert Iervasi said: “Today’s announcement means consumers can now have confidence when they buy our 450ml or 600ml soft drinks that the plastic bottle they’re drinking from has been sustainably sourced.

“Using only eco-friendly materials is a big part of our ambitious sustainability agenda. Some of our brands have been around for more than 150 years. If they’re to be around in another 150 years and beyond they need to be sustainably produced.”

PepsiCo ANZ CEO Kyle Faulconer said: “In collaboration with Asahi Beverages we are proud to move to recycled plastic across some of our most iconic beverages, including Pepsi Max, one of the biggest brands in the cola category in Australia.

“Asahi plays an important role in helping us drive toward a circular economy and reduce plastic waste. This move forms part of our global commitment to PepsiCo Positive which guides our business on how we inspire positive change for the planet and people.”

Asahi Beverages’ and PepsiCo’s other soft drink bottles – 1.1L, 1.25L and 2L - will start transitioning to 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles next year.

Asahi Beverages last year formed an industry partnership with Pact Group, Cleanaway and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners to build two new PET plastic recycling plants. The first, in Albury NSW, was officially opened on 11 March, while the second, in Altona North, Victoria, will be complete in 2023.