Coca-Cola bottles were the number one contributor to plastic waste found on beaches, parks and communities around the world, Break Free From Plastic found in its annual audit, according to The Independent.
Break Free From Plastic is a global movement that works toward eliminating plastic waste.
13,834 pieces of plastic with Coca-Cola branding were found at 51 of the 55 sites that were surveyed. This is more than the combined total of the second and third worst offenders, Nestle and PepsiCo, reported The Independent. (RELATED: Pepsi To Start Selling Canned Water In 2020 To Reduce Plastic Waste)
Changing Markets Foundation conducted research which found that Coca-Cola is the biggest plastic polluter in the world, contributing 2.9 million tons per year, according to The Independent.
The company has been outspoken about their commitment to reducing single-use plastics, while continuing to top the charts of single-use plastic offenders.
James Quincey, chairman and CEO, discusses the elimination of single-use plastics and commitment to #zerowaste and a #circulareconomy. #wef20 #davos2020 pic.twitter.com/dw0wnCFsVb
— The Coca-Cola Co. (@CocaColaCo) January 23, 2020
Earlier this year, Coca-Cola was accused of hypocrisy as it had publicly pledged to reduce plastic waste, but continued to use lobbying groups and trade associations to block sustainability efforts, The Independent reported.