Coca-Cola Amatil is on track to hit its target of sourcing 60 per cent of its energy from low-carbon and renewables by next year, managing director Alison Watkins confirmed last week.
Speaking at the launch of CCA’s 2018 Sustainability Report, Watkins confirmed there’s more to be done, but the business is happy with the progress.
“Bottling is energy-intensive, so our shift to low-carbon and renewables is a significant change,” Watkins said. “We’ve focused on natural gas, solar and wind, but we’re open to other technologies and will look at how these can be incorporated in our operations.”
The report shows the company presently sources the equivalent of 56.2 per cent of its energy from low-carbon or renewables, principally wind, solar and natural gas.
Watkins confirmed the bulk of low-carbon and renewable energy was sourced at a market competitive price versus traditional power.
“For example, we entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with Victoria’s Murra Warra Wind Farm near Horsham. Through this arrangement we and other consortium members secure long-term supply and price security at competitive rates,” she said.
“We’re rolling out more renewable energy at our facilities, with new solar panels this year at Amatil facilities in Eastern Creek, Richlands and Kewdale in Australia, and Cibitung in Indonesia.
“There’s more to be done, but we’re happy with progress and urge other manufacturers to take a fresh look at their own low-carbon and renewable options.”
In February, CCA pledged to switching to sourcing using sugar for all its non-alcoholic drinks from local growers that follow sustainable production practices. It has also pledged to recycling 100 per cent of bottles and cans throughout its product range including Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Barista Bros, Mount Franklin and Pump.
