Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) returned 5,427,150 cubic meters of water to nature through external environmental projects in 2024, according to the company's newly published Sustainability Report 2024. The figure represents 188.5% of the water CCEP bottled that year, far exceeding its pledge to return 100% of the water it uses annually.
The company runs 12 active water projects in Spain that it says not only return water but also restore ecosystems, recover aquifers and protect key river basins. Internally, CCEP also reduced its own water use, reaching a ratio of 1.76 liters of water consumed for every liter of product bottled.
Emissions cuts tied to 2040 target
The results are part of CCEP's This is Forward strategy, which sets targets across six areas: water, climate, beverages, packaging, social impact and supply chain. In Spain, the company cut its scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by around 22% compared with 2019, a reduction of nearly 200,000 tonnes of CO2, keeping it on track for its goal of net zero emissions across its entire supply chain by 2040.
CCEP attributed the reduction to measures including sourcing 100% renewable electricity, investing in sustainable logistics, cutting fossil-based raw materials, lightening its packaging and installing more efficient refrigeration equipment. The company also updated its emission-factor calculations in 2024, which it says gives it a more precise measurement of its carbon footprint.
Packaging and circular economy progress
CCEP said reduced material use in its packaging avoided roughly 170 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2024. All of its packaging was recyclable that year, and 58.5% of the PET used in its bottles was recycled (rPET). Reuse also expanded, with 92.6% of its glass containers classified as returnable.
The company extended its sustainability commitments to its supply chain as well. All of the sugar, paper and cardboard CCEP purchased in 2024 came from suppliers that comply with the Principles for Sustainable Agriculture, which the company says guarantees responsible practices from the source.
Community investment and workforce diversity
CCEP increased its contribution to local communities through environmental and social projects, investing just over 4 million euros in 2024, a 21.2% rise from 2023. Corporate volunteering grew by about 30% compared with the previous year, with employees dedicating 8,700 hours to social initiatives.
On diversity, women's representation in management positions rose to 35.3%, up from 33.1% the year before, which the company described as steady progress toward more balanced leadership.
Shift toward low-calorie beverages
CCEP's product portfolio also reflects changing consumer habits. No- or low-calorie beverages now account for 63.6% of the company's sales volume in Spain. Since 2015, CCEP has cut the average sugar content per liter of its drinks by 23.4%, including a 6.3% reduction since 2019 alone.
CCEP said the report shows sustainability is integrated into its strategic decisions rather than treated as a separate effort, as it continues working toward its stated goals across water use, emissions, packaging and its product range.
