When you think of a bottle of Sprite, you're probably thinking of it coming in that iconic green plastic bottle. However, the time has come and the green bottle is officially retiring after more than 60 years. Coca-Cola said they will be changing the packaging from green to clear plastic beginning August 1 as part of broader efforts to become more environmentally responsible. The green plastic container contains green polyethylene terephthalate (PET), an additive that can't be recycled into new bottles. According to Julian Ochoa, CEO of R3CYCLE, a plastic group helping Coca-Cola improve its recycling,
"Taking colors out of bottles improves the quality of the recycled material. When recycled, clear PET Sprite bottles can be remade into bottles, helping drive a circular economy for plastic."
Customers will also notice a revamped logo and packaging design on the Sprite bottles. If you're going to miss the green, you'll still be able to find it on the Sprite labels. Other beverages that use green bottles including Fresca, Seagram's and Mello Yello, will also be replaced with clear containers in the coming months.
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