From the procurement of materials, all the way to limiting packaging waste and educating consumers ― for company Coca-Cola HBC, sustainability is a well-rounded process whose aim is to ensure a better world for employees, partners, and the whole community. Innovations concerning environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices are key to the success of this company's responsible business in the Western Balkans.
"Until recently, ESG was considered as a new concept, but today it is a standard in the full sense of the word ― an adopted norm and an established benchmark for evaluating business success according to defined parameters. ESG principles have always been needed, even in the past, however, they have just gained popularity and are now defining companies’ relationship with the planet, people, and the economy," said Tisa Čaušević, public and regulatory affairs manager at Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company in Serbia and Montenegro.
At the upcoming first regional Western Balkans ESG Summit, which will be held in Tivat from April 26th to 28th, Jelena Trninić from the Coca-Cola Company will share her significant experience of incorporating sustainability standards into business practices and strategies.
"Everything we do should be a joint call for action and change, and that is why the Western Balkans ESG Summit came at the right time, as a place to meet, exchange and discuss ways to adopt sustainable business standards and launch strategic initiatives," explained Čaušević.
Coca-Cola HBC Serbia is the first company in Serbia, but also the only one out of 29 countries of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, which has formed an ESG Advisory Board that provides an expert review of existing initiatives and proposals for new activities.
As a part of the Coca-Cola system, the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola HBC are thinking about every detail of their products in order to respond to environmental challenges. For instance, one of their latest innovations solves the problem of environmental pollution with bottle caps. On the packaging of Next juices they have introduced tethered caps, which makes it easier for the bottle and cap to be recycled together, and this innovation will soon be added to the bottles of their carbonated drinks and water as well. In addition, they care about saving resources, through positive changes in the production, procurement, and packaging of products, and actively participates in discussions on solving important environmental challenges. For example, the consumption of water per litre of produced beverage has decreased by more than 50 percent compared to 2007. Furthermore, Coca-Cola HBC has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2040, which is a full decade ahead of the deadline set by the European Union to achieve this goal.
"With their long tradition in our region, the Coca-Cola system shows how to do business responsibly and sustainably in the long run. Their innovations when it comes to the application of ESG standards speak volumes of how this company cares about its customers, which is why we are extremely proud that they are our partner at the upcoming Summit", said Biljana Braithwaite, CEO of Sustineri Partners, the organiser of the Western Balkans ESG Summit.
