Over a billion pounds of Coke plastic waste to enter waterways

BY 2030, Coca-Cola products will account for an estimated 1.33 billion pounds (602,000 metric tons) of plastic waste entering the world’s oceans and waterways each year, according to a stark new analysis published yesterday by the nonprofit Oceana.

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That’s enough plastic to fill the stomachs of 18 million whales.

The report arrives amid mounting concerns over the human health risks posed by the spread of microplastics, which scientists increasingly link to cancer, infertility, heart disease, and more.

“Coca-Cola is by far the largest manufacturer and seller of beverages in the world,” said Matt Littlejohn, who leads Oceana’s targeting corporate polluters.

“Because of that, they really matter when it comes to the impact of all this on the ocean.”

Coca-Cola ranks as the world’s top branded plastic polluter, followed by Pepsico, Nestle, Danone, and Altria, according to a 2024 study published in Science Advances.

Oceana’s estimate is based on Coca-Cola’s publicly reported packaging data from 2018 to 2022, combined with sales growth forecasts to create a “business-as-usual” scenario.