Coca-Cola: Our Unwavering Commitment to Trust, Progress, and Shared Value

In an increasingly interconnected and transparent world, global companies like The Coca-Cola Company are often subjects of public discourse. We welcome this scrutiny as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitments and provide clarity on complex issues. This article aims to address recent discussions and offer a comprehensive perspective on our ongoing efforts in critical areas such as data security, environmental sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

Fortifying Our Digital Defenses: A Proactive Stance on Cybersecurity

Recent unverified claims from cybercriminal groups regarding alleged data breaches, particularly concerning Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), are matters we and our partners treat with extreme seriousness. In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is not a static defense but an evolving battleground. We want to assure our consumers, partners, and stakeholders that protecting sensitive information is a paramount priority across The Coca-Cola System.

While specific details of ongoing investigations into these uncorroborated claims cannot be disclosed to avoid compromising security efforts, it's crucial to understand the robust framework in place. Both The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners, including CCEP, invest significantly in multi-layered cybersecurity measures, advanced threat detection systems, and rapid response protocols. We continuously adapt our defenses, working with leading cybersecurity experts to anticipate and mitigate emerging threats. Any allegation of a breach triggers immediate and thorough investigation protocols. Our commitment extends beyond technological solutions; it includes rigorous employee training and adherence to stringent data privacy regulations globally. We understand the trust placed in us, and we are resolute in our efforts to safeguard it.

Leading the Charge: Our Journey Towards a World Without Waste

The designation as 'Worst Plastic Polluter' by Oceana for the sixth consecutive year is a label we do not take lightly. It serves as a stark reminder of the global plastic waste crisis – a challenge that no single entity can solve alone, but one where we are determined to lead and make a tangible difference. This label, however, often overshadows the significant, multi-billion dollar investments and ambitious actions we are taking under our 'World Without Waste' initiative, launched in 2018.

Our goals are clear: to make 100% of our packaging recyclable globally by 2025 (a goal we are close to achieving in many markets), to use at least 50% recycled material in our packaging by 2030, and to help collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one we sell by 2030. We are making substantial progress:

• Increasing Recycled Content (rPET): We are one of the largest users of food-grade rPET globally and are continually expanding its use, reducing our reliance on virgin plastic. Many of our markets now offer bottles made from 100% rPET (excluding cap and label).
• Innovating Packaging: We are actively exploring and implementing new packaging solutions, including lighter-weight bottles, plant-based plastics (PlantBottle™), and innovative refillable and dispensed delivery models.
• Investing in Collection and Recycling Infrastructure: We are partnering with governments, NGOs, and industry peers in over 100 countries to improve collection and recycling rates. This includes direct investments in recycling facilities and supporting community-based collection programs.

The scale of our business means our footprint is significant, but so is our capacity to drive change. We are committed to being a key part of the solution to plastic waste, turning this challenge into an opportunity for a truly circular economy.

Upholding Our Values: Addressing the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Lawsuit

We are aware of the renewed lawsuit concerning the 401(k) plan offered by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages LLC, an independent bottling partner. It's important to clarify that The Coca-Cola Company is not a defendant in this lawsuit. Our global network includes many independent bottling partners who manage their own operations, including employee benefits programs.

We have high expectations for all our bottling partners to operate ethically and in the best interests of their employees. We understand that Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages is committed to its workforce and is addressing this legal matter through the appropriate channels. Providing competitive and well-managed retirement benefits is crucial for attracting and retaining talent, and we trust our partners share this philosophy. We are confident that the legal process will ensure a fair and thorough examination of the claims.

Acknowledging History, Celebrating the Present

Occasionally, the historical composition of Coca-Cola's original 19th-century formula, which included coca leaf extract, resurfaces in discussions. This is a well-documented part of our nearly 140-year history, a time when such ingredients were not uncommon in tonics. However, it is crucial to state unequivocally that cocaine was entirely removed from our formula in the early 20th century, well over a hundred years ago. Today, Coca-Cola is a safe, non-alcoholic beverage enjoyed by millions around the world, and its ingredients are recognized as safe by regulatory authorities globally. To imply any connection between the historical formula and the modern-day product is misleading and ignores over a century of evolution, refinement, and unwavering commitment to product safety and quality.

Strategic Evolution for Continued Growth

Business decisions, such as the recent shift of our North American media business to Publicis Groupe while renewing our global marketing partnership with WPP's Open X for other regions, are part of our ongoing strategy to optimize our operations, enhance our marketing effectiveness, and drive growth in a dynamic global market. These are strategic choices designed to ensure we have the best partners to connect with our consumers in meaningful ways across diverse markets.

At The Coca-Cola Company, we are proud of our heritage, realistic about our challenges, and optimistic about our future. Our commitment to refreshing the world and making a difference is unwavering. We will continue to listen, learn, adapt, and invest in creating shared value for our consumers, communities, partners, and shareholders. Transparency and proactive engagement are key to building and maintaining trust, and we remain dedicated to these principles as we navigate the path ahead.