SLMG Beverages, a prominent company under the Ladhani Group and a franchise bottler for Coca-Cola in India, unveiled a significant initiative by introducing 100% recycled PET bottles for the renowned cola brand. This strategic move not only showcases SLMG's unwavering commitment to environmental conservation but also marks a pivotal moment in India's beverage industry landscape, as stated by the company.

In a press release, the company emphasised that by substantially reducing its usage of virgin PET, SLMG Beverages is actively decreasing its carbon footprint, aligning seamlessly with the Indian government's ambitious goal of achieving 25% recycled resin by April 2025. SLMG Beverages supplies 90% of Coca-Cola bottles in Uttar Pradesh, 100% in Uttarakhand, and also has a presence in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh alone, the company operates seven plants with a daily production capacity of 41 crore bottles, catering to more than 300 million people through a vast network of 1.5 million outlets and over 1,500 distributors, including rural areas. These efforts cover the entire northern belt of India, making SLMG Beverages a key player in the region's beverage industry.

"The introduction of Coca-Cola bottles made from 100% recycled food-grade PET represents a significant milestone in the beverage industry, highlighting SLMG Beverages' strong dedication to environmental conservation," remarked S N Ladhani, Chairman, and Managing Director of SLMG Beverages.

These recycled PET bottles will be available in 250 ml and 750 ml sizes, urging consumers to actively participate in this eco-conscious initiative. Crafted entirely from food-grade PET (excluding caps and labels), these bottles prominently feature the "Recycle Me Again" message, encouraging responsible disposal and recycling practices.

Ladhani proudly stated, "When Coca Cola re-entered the Indian market, we produced the first Coca-Cola bottle in India. Now, we are thrilled to be the pioneers in India to launch the Coca-Cola brand in 100% recyclable PET bottles." Vivek Ladhani, the Executive Director at SLMG Beverages, emphasised the value of PET plastic beyond its initial use. "Recycled PET is a significant stride toward realising a circular economy for plastic in India," he added.

SLMG Beverages officials recently met with UP government's Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra in Lucknow, advocating for the adoption of proven and approved technologies in food industries in Uttar Pradesh. These technologies would facilitate the recycling and reuse of plastics for direct food packaging, thereby reducing PET bottle littering.

Additionally, SLMG Beverages announced plans to achieve a turnover of Rs 10,000 million by 2025. The company aims to achieve this by opening two new plants this year and tripling its capacity by 2030, in response to the escalating demand for beverages in India. It's worth noting that SLMG Beverages has maintained a longstanding partnership with Coca-Cola, spanning over 30 years, according to the official statement.

Source: moneycontrol.com