Water use

Since water is one of the most important components of our products, access to high-quality water from sustainable sources is a core to our long-term viability. Our integrated approach involves using water more efficiently in our operations and engaging in public-private environmental partnerships to protect watersheds and raise public awareness.

We continuously work to ensure best practice in our water extraction and honor our commitments to reduce, recycle and replenish the water we use, with the development and use of innovative sustainable technologies. In 2014, we invested more than 5.8 million euro in different water saving programmes in more than 20 countries, which lead to more than 1.1 million cubic meters water saving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy and climate change

To address the urgent threat of climate change, we have adopted an aggressive carbon reduction strategy. We are improving our energy efficiency, switching to cleaner energy sources and developing low-carbon technologies. Through innovation and investment, we aim to turn climate risks into new opportunities for sustainable business development.

We have adopted the international environmental management system standard ISO 14001 in the majority of our plants, which are also audited against The Coca-Cola Quality System (TCCQS) standards on an annual basis. Our extensive development of combined heat and power (CHP) units, the advanced cold drink equipment (CDE) along with the extensive installation of solar panels in Italy and the heat pump at our mineral water bottling plant in Hungary, are considered as a key to achieving our sustainability goals.

Our future goal is a 25% carbon reduction by 2020 versus 2010. In 2014 we have achieved a 14,5% year-on-year, highlighting the impact of our sustainability development initiatives.

Economic

With interest rates being quite low right now, it would be an excellent time for Coca-Cola to lock in a fixed rate. Unemployment rates are still high an with less people working, there is less money to spend on luxury items like soda. CPI may hurt Coke as inflation could hike the prices of soda/juice. Changes in the stock market like other stocks struggling, will help Coca-Cola as more people will buy their strong stock.

Political

The increase in minimum wage will no doubt add costs as Coke will have to pay workers more for their services. Also with the FDA requiring food label disclaimers, this increases costs and labor for the Coca-Cola Corporation.

Sociocultural

This aspect of Coke's general environment is very important and threatens the longevity of the brand as their main product, soda pop, is being labeled as extremely unhealthy with all of the high fructose corn syrup. Coke can battle these claims and focus on their healthier beverages or healthier aspects of their soda like no calories or made with natural cane sugar. More women in the workforce is excellent for Coca-Cola because more women are going to need caffeine to stay awake and will look to soda, hopefully, to get their fix. With cultural trends focusing more on fitness, Coke can narrow in their focus on their fruit/sport drinks. While people in general have a greater concern for the environment, Coke can use recycled bottles/materials. They could also make a slender bottle made with less plastic. Depending on individual family formations, if the family have kids, they will not drink as much soda because they do not want to be a bad example for their kids. Instead they will drink more juice and water.

Technological

The chemical engineering of drinks could definitely change in the future as new technological processes arise. It is possible to get a younger demographic into Coke products by using online games and shows with new internet technology. Computer aided systems may help ease the logistic side of things for Coca-Cola.