In a significant development for the Indo-Pacific region, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) has achieved an internationally recognized PAS2060 carbon-neutral certification at its water bottling facility in Putāruru. This milestone places the Putāruru site among only six CCEP facilities globally to attain this distinction. It signifies a crucial step towards CCEP's overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
Over the past three years, the site has diligently reduced its carbon intensity per litre of water produced, resulting in a remarkable 50 percent reduction. CCEP NZ is committed to further reductions in the future.
"Securing this certification involved a rigorous three-year process that necessitated tangible and practical changes. These changes encompassed reducing carbon emissions from all energy sources on-site, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and minimizing waste sent to landfills and wastewater generated during processing. External audits verify our ongoing progress in emissions reduction," explained Jenna Pepper, Sustainability Program Manager at CCEP New Zealand.
Through these concerted efforts, the site has achieved carbon neutrality for its market-based scope two electricity emissions and reduced emissions from the water mains by 50 percent since 2019. Notably, the facility relies entirely on certified renewable energy, validated by New Zealand Renewable Electricity certification. Additionally, LPG forklifts have been replaced with electric ones. Other measures include the implementation of LED lighting with timers and motion sensors and the installation of a wastewater collection unit, which recycles water used in plant operations, effectively cutting wastewater production in half.
In pursuit of its ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2040 and a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse emissions throughout its value chain by 2030, CCEP New Zealand has taken further action. To offset Putāruru's remaining emissions for 2021 and 2022, the company has procured a small quantity of Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)-certified carbon credits. These credits were sourced from two distinct projects: Rimba Raya in Pulau Borneo and the Katingan Peatland Restoration Project. This move aligns with CCEP New Zealand's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
