Coca-Cola and the State Government of São Paulo announce the construction of the worlds largest plant for the production of BioMEG
In partnership with JBF Industries Ltd., Coca-Cola Brazil started the construction, in Araraquara (SP), of the first plant of BioMEG in the country, generating 1650 jobs; With the new unit, Brazil will become the largest producer and exporter of BioM
Coca-Cola Brazil and Investe São Paulo announced the construction of the world’s largest plant for the production of BioMEG, the main ingredient of PlantBottle™ packaging - the first recyclable PET bottle made partially from plant sources. In partnership with JBF Industries Ltd., the initiative reinforces the company’s leadership in the launch of innovative sustainable bottles, getting it closer to the goal of adopting the PlantBottle™ technology in all plastic bottles of its portfolio in the country by 2015.
During the announcement, on Thursday, September 27, at Palácio dos Bandeirantes, São Paulo, the memorandum of intent was entered into between the CEO of JBF Group, Cheereg Arya and the President of Investe SP, Luciano Almeida, for the construction of the new plant in the city of Araraquara. The ceremony was attended by the state governor, Geraldo Alckmin; the president of Coca-Cola Brazil, Xiemar Zarazúa; the global vice president and CPO of Coca-Cola, Ronald J. Lewis; and the local authorities.
JBF’s investment will total approximately R$ 1 billion for the construction of the new plant. “Today is a remarkable day for Araraquara, for the State of São Paulo, for Brazil and an example to the world, due to the economic, social and environmental importance of this investment,” said Alckmin.
According to Ronald J. Lewis, “the benefits of the sustainable innovation will only be fully realized after it is commercialized and reaches the hands of consumers. In 2009, we launched out PlantBottle™ packaging and, today Coca-Cola sells more than 10 billion of these bottles worldwide, relying less on oil and reducing carbon emissions. We are pleased because our partnership with JBF Industries Ltd. will help us expand our global production.”
With the new unit, Brazil will become the largest producer and exporter of BioMEG in the world, with an estimated production capacity of 500 thousand tons/year, generating 1,650 direct and indirect jobs. “Apart from generating jobs in the Central region of the state, this investment will add value to the chain of ethanol from sugarcane, as São Paulo currently accounts for 60% of the Brazilian production,” says Luciano Almeida.
JBF Industries Ltd. will be responsible for the operation of the plant. The sugarcane produced in the region and the waste from its processing will be used as raw material in the production of packaging resin.
“This is another important sustainability initiative that Coca-Cola Brazil embraces, confirming our leading position in packaging innovation. The new plant stop emitting approximately 550,000 tons of carbon dioxide,” says Ronald Lewis.
The works will begin in 2012 and the operation is scheduled to begin 24 months later.
“This investment is not only significant, but also sustainable. We are very proud that Coca-Cola has created the conditions to bring this innovative technology to Brazil. Our commitment to the country includes our contribution to the economic growth and care for the environment. Soon, all PET bottles of Coca-Cola Brazil will use this technology, which will represent an annual savings of 85 million barrels of oil and a reduction of carbon emission of approximately 10 tons per year, in addition to transforming Brazil into an important export hub of vegetable resin,” says Xiemar Zarazúa.
Investe SP has been supporting Coca-Cola and JBF since May 2012, providing industry information, contacts with public and private agencies, and environmental, tax and infrastructure advisory.
PlantBottle™ - With the development of the technology led by The Coca-Cola Company, PlantBottle™ is manufactured by an innovative process that processes sugarcane into a raw material in the manufacturing process of the PET polymer. Its plastic is produced from the chemical reaction of two components: MEG (monoethylene glycol), responsible for 30% of its weight, and PTA (polyterephthalic acid), responsible for the remaining 70%.
Available in more than 24 countries, the use of the packaging has eliminated, since its launch in 2009, the equivalent to almost 100 thousand tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which corresponds to 200 barrels of oil.
Coca-Cola Brazil System
The Coca-Cola Brazil System operates in seven segments of the non-alcoholic beverages sector - water, tea, soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, sports drinks and dairy, with a line of over 150 products, including regular flavors and low calorie versions. Formed by Coca-Cola Brazil and 15 groups of Brazilian manufacturers, it directly employs 60,000 employees, generating about 600 thousand indirect jobs.
The investments of Coca-Cola Brazil System for 2012 total R$ 2.8 billion. In the period from 2012 to 2016, the total investment will total R$ 14.1 billion, 50% higher than the amount invested between 2007 and 2011.
Sustainability is a commitment of Coca-Cola Brazil and is reflected in the way the company and its manufacturers deal with people and the environment. The rate of water use of Coca-Cola Brazil, for example, is one of the best in the world: 1.91 liters of water for every liter of beverage produced - less than half the volume used 13 years ago.
In recycling, Coca-Cola Brazil has developed, through Coca-Cola Brazil Institute, a program called “Reciclou, Ganhou” (“You Recycle, You Win”) which, since 1996, has been contributing for the country to be one of the most advanced in the recycling of materials. Today, 98% of aluminum cans and 56% of PET bottles are recycled. To learn more, visit the websites: http://www.institutococacolabrasil.com.br/ and http://www.cocacolabrasil.com.br/