Coca-Cola’s Claim of 100% Recyclable Bottles Is A Complete Bogus

According to a recent class action lawsuit, Coca-Cola exploits consumers who desire to purchase eco-friendly products by fraudulently claiming that their plastic bottles are 100% recyclable.

The Plaintiffs

Three plaintiffs, namely Marcelo Muto, Cristina Salgado, and David Swartz, submitted a class action lawsuit against:

• The Coca-Cola Company
• BlueTriton Brands, Inc., and
• Niagara Bottling, LLC

They are citing violations of California consumer and environmental marketing laws, as well as unfair business practices and misleading advertisement.

According to the consumers, the defendants manufacture over 100 billion single-use plastic bottles each year, or 3,400 per second. In addition, consumers are increasingly seeking biodegradable or recyclable products in order to redirect plastic waste away from waterways, landfills, and incinerators.

Further, the plaintiffs claimed that Coca-Cola and the other defendants initiated the “Every Bottle Back” effort in response to this consumer demand.

Marcelo Muto et al., v. The Coca-Cola Company et al.

The “Every Bottle Back” campaign’s main point is the statement “100% Recyclable,” which Defendants widely advertise on their single-use plastic bottles, the class action claims. However, not all parts of plastic bottles can be recycled.

For instance, the bottle caps and plastic labels on the bottles are not recyclable and, therefore, cannot be converted into usable materials. Additionally, at least 28% of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle caps shipped to recycling centers are lost during the process or are contaminated, ending up in landfills or being burned.

Defendants’ ongoing use of fraudulent and misleading claims on the recyclability of their products serves to deceive the public, the class action lawsuit states. It misinforms consumers that they are exercising an environmentally friendly decision when they purchase and recycle the alleged plastic bottles.

According to the class action, even if properly disposed to a recycling bin, single-use bottles negatively impact the environment. Thus, if consumers were aware of the facts, they could opt for smarter choices towards purchasing truly sustainable items.

Due to this, Plaintiffs seek an order against the selling of plastic bottles unless the packaging and marketing are updated, removing the “100% Recyclable” claim and providing information about the actual recyclability of the products.

Additionally, they seek class certification, damages, restitution, attorneys’ fees, and a jury trial.

Similar Complaints

The United States’ oldest grassroots environmental organization, The Sierra Club, filed a similar complaint against Coca-Cola and BlueTriton for unfair commercial practices and violations of the Environmental Marketing Claims Act with the same attorneys.

Meanwhile, an environmental organization also filed a similar complaint against Coca-Cola last week, accusing the business of misleading advertising and greenwashing with its “World Without Waste” marketing campaign.

Editor’s Note on Coca-Cola 100% Recyclable Bottles Class Action Lawsuit 2021:

This article is written to inform you of Coca-Cola’s bogus claim that its plastic bottles are “100% Recyclable.” Thus, exploiting consumers opting for eco-friendly products.

Case Name & No.: Marcelo Muto et al., v. The Coca-Cola Company et al., Case No. 3:21-cv-04643

Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court – Northern District of California

Products/Services: “100% Recyclable” plastic water bottles

Allegations: Allegedly, not all parts of Coca-Cola’s plastic water bottles can be recycled. 

Status: Pending

What’s your take on Coca-Cola’s allegations regarding their “100% recyclable” bottles? Click the “Contact Us” button below to inform us.

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