Latest news with #andHumanRights
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Coca-Cola slammed over latest packaging change amid global backlash: 'Affecting millions of people's livelihoods'
Coca-Cola is facing backlash after a U.N. report slammed the decision to switch from reusable glass bottles to single-use plastic in Samoa. The move has led many to criticize Coca-Cola's claims of environmental stewardship. The U.N. Special Rapporteur for Toxics and Human Rights released a report highlighting how, in 2021, the regional Coca-Cola bottler in Samoa switched from a system of reusable glass bottles to plastic packaging. "[A] pivotal decision was made to abandon the long-standing, effective system of reusable glass bottles in Samoa," Dr. Rufino Varea of the Pacific Island Climate Action Network told Packaging Insights. "For decades, the communities in Samoa participated in a circular system, returning glass bottles for a deposit, which ensured high reuse rates and minimized waste." The criticism has brought renewed attention to Coca-Cola's status as one of the world's largest plastic polluters, if not number one. The presence of single-use plastic and other waste is particularly problematic in Samoa, which lacks the capacity for large-scale recycling programs. "Samoa's small size and population (225,681 in 2023) makes economies of scale for disposal or recycling of certain waste streams non-existent," the U.N. report said. "Samoa, and most Pacific Island states, are grappling with a monumental waste crisis, a significant portion of which is plastic," Varea noted. Plastics have permeated every corner of the globe, from the Arctic, to the top of Mount Everest, to the bottom of the sea, and even our own bodies. "Every year 19-23 million tonnes [20.9 to 25.3 million tons] of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers, and seas," the U.N. Environment Programme noted. "Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change, directly affecting millions of people's livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being." We are still learning the tremendous number of ways in which plastic pollution impacts our environment, our community, and our health. For example, according to The Washington Post, recent studies have found that the presence of microplastics can interfere with bees and the pollination process. When you think about a product's packaging, which of these factors is more important to you? The way it looks The information it provides The waste it produces I don't think about packaging at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Such impacts could have dramatic consequences for the global food supply, which depends heavily on pollination and pollinators. Efforts are underway to significantly curtail the amount of plastic we produce and discard. The U.N. Environment Assembly has adopted a resolution urging the world to work toward a binding international agreement to limit plastic pollution. Some private companies have also been seeking innovative ways to do their part in cutting back on plastic use. Even Coca-Cola, often maligned as the world's biggest producer of plastic waste, developed a 100% plant-based, recyclable PET bottle. While the problem of plastic waste might seem insurmountable, we can all do things to make a difference. For instance, you can choose products that come in non-plastic packaging like glass or cardboard. Better yet, you can forgo unnecessary single-use packaging by carrying a reusable water bottle. Though one small decision might seem inconsequential, multiply that decision by thousands or even millions of people, and we can make a real difference. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
United News of India
6 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Apollo Tyres achieves Gold Rating in EcoVadis Sustainability Assessment
Kochi, Jun 2 (UNI) Apollo Tyres Ltd has received the prestigious Gold Rating from EcoVadis, the world's leading provider of business sustainability ratings. This accomplishment places Apollo Tyres in the top 5% of all companies globally, across industries, reflecting company's unwavering commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices and social responsibility. EcoVadis evaluates companies on a comprehensive set of criteria, including environmental impact, labour practices, ethics and sustainable procurement. The Gold rating reflects the significant progress Apollo Tyres has made across these dimensions, reinforcing its dedication to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The overall performance score for Apollo Tyres Ltd improved to 95th percentile in FY25, up from the 92nd percentile previous year, while the overall score improved from 41 to 76 in the last 5 years. Sunam Sarkar, President and Chief Business Officer, Apollo Tyres said, 'The manifold improvement in our Environment, Ethics and Labour and Human Rights scores was driven by focused initiatives such as enhanced environmental management practices, strengthened ethics and compliance programmes, and the implementation of inclusive labour policies." "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams, who have worked tirelessly to integrate sustainable practices throughout our operations, motivating us to continue advancing our sustainability journey.' Among the four areas that EcoVadis assess -- environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement -- the most notable improvement was in Ethics and Labour and Human Rights section, where the score increased from 50 to 63 and 70 to 80 points respectively. Apollo Tyres achieved the highest score in Environment with 85 points, while Sustainable Procurement performance score was 71 points. An overall score of 76/100 reflects Apollo Tyres' commitment to combat climate change, fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, and upholding the highest ethical standards to ensure trust and transparency throughout the value chain. In the EcoVadis assessment, top 1% of the companies scoring 99+ percentile get platinum ranking, top 5% with 95+ percentile get gold ranking, top 15% with 85+ percentile get silver ranking and top 35% with 65+ percentile get bronze ranking. UNI DS BM
