Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has commenced the rollout of its innovative 2L returnable bottle in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Soweto. This is part of the company’s ongoing drive to offer consumers affordable beverages in more sustainable packaging.
The 2L returnable bottle is a refillable PET plastic bottle. It looks similar to regular plastic bottles, but it’s designed to be returned, cleaned, and refilled multiple times, just like the returnable glass bottles. What makes it unique is the green “RETURNABLE” label on the front, which helps consumers identify it easily. This design allows for the same bottle to be refilled several times before being recycled, which helps reduce packaging waste.
CCBSA has been giving households in various areas in the province a free 2L refillable sample through our branded ambassadors. “The refillable bottle is CCBSA’s way of helping our consumers re-use and recycle more often. After they have consumed the beverage, they can take the empty bottle to their local store to buy any 2L returnable PET plastic beverage and use the bottle as their deposit. This means they immediately benefit from the cost-saving return-and-refill model while enjoying the same great-tasting, high-quality beverages they know and love”, said Bame Modimogale, CCBSA’s Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director.
Modimogale added that the returnable bottle is more affordable. Consumers can return their 2L Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta or Stoney returnable plastic bottle for another returnable plastic bottle at a recommended price of R15, excluding a refundable R9 deposit. After returning the empty bottle, consumers only pay the recommended price, effectively saving around R9 each time.
“We first launched the returnable bottle in 2019 in the Eastern Cape, as part of our commitment to help reduce packaging waste and offer our consumers affordable beverages. Since then, we have successfully expanded to Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, parts of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from consumers who are budget conscious and looking for value for money without compromising on quality. The pack offers consumers their favourite drink at an affordable price”, said Modimogale.
CCBSA is proud to deliver real value to communities through trusted products and re-usable solutions. Returnable bottles offer an affordable way to enjoy Coca-Cola beverages during family meals, celebrations, and gatherings. We invite our consumers to partner with us. By returning and refilling bottles, families not only save money but also contribute to meaningful environmental change. Returning bottles in good condition, free from damage or alterations, helps us to keep the cycle going.
