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Dar es Salaam, October 2021; The Coca-Cola system in Tanzania has officially unveiled the new iconic look of its leading sparkling lemon-lime flavored soft drink, Sprite, in a clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle packaging.
The latest shift from its iconic green bottle means more Sprite bottles can be collected, recycled, and reused to make new ones, a move that is part of Coca-Cola’s World Without Waste vision which targets to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sell and use 50% recycled content in all its packaging by 2030.
“This is a new dawn for our customers in Tanzania as they can now enjoy the same great taste of their favorite sparkling lemon-lime drink as the bottle can be easily recycled and made into new items. The clear PET plastic also contributes to economic empowerment as it will have more value for waste recyclers in Tanzania who depend on collecting and selling plastic packaging waste for a living said Unguu Sulay, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Kwanza, Tanzania.
“We are excited to introduce the transparent Sprite bottle in Tanzania and to support the government’s environmental sustainability endeavors in line with the environmental policy and national development strategy. Indeed, the change of the iconic bottle look is a demonstration of Coca-Cola’s commitment to environment protection using eco-friendly innovations”, said Salum Nassor, Public Affairs Communications and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola Kwanza, Tanzania.
The World Without Waste’ strategy represents Coca-Cola’s commitment to doing business sustainably which includes addressing the packaging waste challenge. The clear PET can be made into a wide range of new products, such as pillow and duvet inners, as well as into new bottles, making it more valuable than green PET, which has limited uses.
Speaking during the launch event, Honorable Seleman Said Jafo, Minister of State in The Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) said, “I wish to take this opportunity to commend Coca-Cola for this huge milestone and taking the lead in using reusable and recyclable material in its packaging. As a ministry, we are cognizant that this is an effort that will involve not just yourselves as the manufacturer, but other partners in the value chain including customers in making the environment that we live in habitable, clean, and better”.
“You are all aware that, the world has been at war with plastic waste and some of these discussions have been at the center of global environmental conferences and it is inspiring to see Coca-Cola take a step to address this challenge and a commitment to finding a solution. As the government, we are not only responsible for making sure all players comply with the set rules and regulations but also encourage them to come with innovative ways which will impact both consumers and the environment. It is very rare to see companies pursue a certain move without directives from the regulators. I wish to reaffirm the government’s commitment to work with you to ensure together we transform the economy of Tanzania,” added Honorable Jafo.
With its presence in over 200 countries, including Tanzania, Sprite’s new transparent look features a see-through bottle, a refreshed icon of the brand’s bold and Sprite ‘spark’ with a distinct label and bright green cover.
“We are delighted to bring the new refreshing Sprite to our consumers in Tanzania. Over the next few months, we are planning a series of activities across various parts of the country that will enable us engage consumers and offer them an opportunity to experience the new look Sprite”, Said Kabula Nshimo, Brand Manager, Coca-Cola Tanzania
Tanzania is the 5th market in Africa where Coca-Cola has introduced the Sprite clear PET, after South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
The new look Sprite will be available in all retail outlets and Coca-Cola distributors across the country starting this October 2021 as the company clears out the green packaging from the shelves and the trade to ensure complete transition into the clear bottles.
The sprite clear bottle launch was attended by representatives from Coca-Cola Tanzania, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of State in the Vice President’s Office Union Affairs and Environment, Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), partner recyclers, environmental goodwill ambassadors, and other governmental and private environmental organizations and members of the media.
