Coca-Cola Unveils New Look for Sprite (Photos)

The Coca-Cola system in Kenya on Friday unveiled a new iconic look of its leading sparkling soft drink Sprite 

The lemon-lime flavored Sprite will now be packaged in a clear PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottle, marking a historic shift from the green-colored plastic bottle which has been its identity since 1960 when it was first launched.

This shift from the iconic green bottle means more Sprite bottles can be collected, recycled, and reused to make new items, in line with Coca-Cola’s World Without Waste vision, which targets to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells by 2030, as well as use 50% recycled content in all its packaging.

Speaking during the launch, Xavi Selga, the managing director, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) said that the bottles could now be easily recycled into new items. 

“Our people in Kenya can now enjoy the refreshing taste of their favourite sparkling lemon-lime drink knowing their bottle can be easily recycled and made into new items. This is a plus in our joint efforts to grow our business while contributing towards more sustainable environmental practices,” Mr. Xavi stated. 

From left, Debra Mallowah, Vice President, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise, Dr. Catherine Mbaisi, Deputy Director - NEMA and Geoffrey Kuria of Kenya Association of Waste Recyclers pose for a photo during the launch of Sprite’s new clear recyclable bottle at Serena Hotel.

Clear PET can be recycled and reused to make a wider range of new products, such as pillow and duvet inners, as well as new bottles, making it more valuable than green PET, which has limited uses.

Kenya becomes the 4th African market where Coca-Cola has introduced the Sprite clear PET, after South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.

“The shift from the green bottle to clear PET is a significant step in driving our sustainability agenda which is a key element of our business. We know that our vision for a World Without Waste is ambitious and can be challenging but together with our partners, we are committed to the cause.

"This move also allows us to work with partners in the recycling industry, and with waste collectors and aggregators to achieve more value for our recyclable plastics,” said Debra Mallowah, Vice President, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise.

“The World Without Waste” strategy represents Coca-Cola’s commitment to doing business sustainably, and this includes addressing the packaging waste challenge. Additionally, clear PET plastic contributes to economic empowerment as it will lead to enhanced income for waste reclaimers in Kenya who depend on collecting and selling packaging waste for a living,” added Mallowah.

With a presence in over 200 countries, including Kenya, Coca-Cola Sprite’s new transparent look features a clear see-through bottle, refreshed icon of the brand’s bold Sprite ‘spark’ with a distinct label and bright green cover.

“Our consumers are at the heart of everything that we do and we would like to assure them that the new look Sprite is bolder and better with an improved recipe that will deliver the most refreshing lemon-lime taste,” said Isabelle Kariuki-Rostom, the Franchise Marketing Director, Coca-Cola East, and Central Africa Franchise.

The new-look Sprite will be available in all retail outlets and Coca-Cola distributors across the country starting June this year as the company clears out the green packaging from the shelves and the trade to ensure the complete transition into the clear bottles.