Coke commits to global water conservation drive - Brand Republic News - Brand Republic

Coke commits to global water conservation drive - Brand Republic News - Brand Republic: "Coke commits to global water conservation drive
by Jemima Bokaie Marketing 05-Jun-07, 08:30
LONDON - Coca-Cola is attempting to salvage its ecological credentials by joining forces with environmental group WWF and making a global water-conservation pledge."
The drinks company has faced criticism in almost every part of the world for its water consumption, which equates to 300bn litres a year. Under the terms of the initiative, announced on Tuesday at WWF's annual conference in Beijing, it will invest $20m (£10m) in WWF freshwater schemes in regions where it has bottling operations.
In return, WWF will advise Coca-Cola on how to recycle and reduce the amount of water it uses in manufacturing, cut its energy use and carbon footprint, and replenish water in communities
and nature via local projects. WWF will set energy, carbon and water targets for the firm by January 2008, and a joint marketing campaign will launch next year.
The partnership, which will run initially until 2010, forms part of Coca-Cola's commitment to social responsibility.
WWF hopes the activity will encourage other big companies, such as Nestle and Unilever, to consider their own water footprints.