Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Danone have committed to change recycling claims advertised on their plastic bottles, following a dialogue with the EU Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation network.
As soon as they have all made the necessary changes, consumers can rely on fair and clear information about the recycling characteristics of the bottles, in line with the requirements of EU consumer law.
“European consumers deserve accurate information about the environmental practices of all companies operating in the Single Market”, said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath: ” I welcome the commitment by the three companies to fulfil their responsibilities to ensure that environmental claims on their products are clear, truthful and in line with EU consumer protection laws. This outcome also demonstrates the value of engagement and dialogue between companies and the European Commission.”
The companies have committed to:
- Replace claims on bottles’ labels such as “I am a bottle made from 100% recycled plastic” with “This bottle is 100% recycled. Excluding cap and label” to ensure factually clear and correct information regarding recyclability and composition;
- Replace claims on bottles’ labels such as “Recycle me again” with “Recycle me”, so companies do not give consumers the false impression, when encouraging them to recycle the bottle, that the bottle was already recycled before purchase and can be recycled into another bottle again;
- Ensure that the overall impression of the label and the marketing is not misleading regarding the inherent environmental benefits of plastic bottles, for instance by combining them with other green claims or symbols; and
- Ensure that digital marketing campaigns on their respective websites and social media channels reflect the content of these commitments.
Coca-Cola and Nestlé, whose dialogues were concluded in June 2025 and February 2026, have already implemented some of the commitments within the established deadlines, notably those relating to recycling claims advertised in digital campaigns.
National consumer protection authorities will now monitor implementation of the commitments and may proceed with enforcement measures if companies fail to comply with them. The Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation network could also engage with bottling industry associations, to ensure a level playing field where all companies operating in the Single Market abide by the same rules.
Complete list of commitments made by Coca-Cola
Complete list of commitments made by Nestlé Waters
Complete list of commitments made by Danone
Consumer Protection Cooperation Network
