To drive packaging circularity, Coca-Cola in New Zealand will switch Sprite’s signature green plastic bottles to clear plastic.

Sprite’s green PET plastic bottle is recyclable however they are usually converted into single-use items like clothing and carpet which cannot be recycled again.

Julie O’Toole, country lead for Coca-Cola Oceania, said the decision to switch from green to clear PET plastic was an “important move” by the company.

“While all our cans, glass and plastic bottles are already accepted for recycling in New Zealand, this move to clear takes us a step further towards a circular economy for our packaging.

“The shift from signature green to clear Sprite bottles will support local recycling systems as we increase these bottles’ likelihood of being remade into new bottles.”

The change affects all pack sizes of Sprite Classic bottles in PET packaging while Sprite No Sugar will sport a new look.

The transition will be completed by June this year after retailers sell the remaining stock.

Further reading: The Warehouse to collect soft plastics for recycling at 31 stores.