Sprite going even greener with new plastic bottle

Already known for its classic green packaging, Sprite is going even greener.

Parent company Coca-Cola said in a statement that its No. 2 brand — and the third-best-selling in the world, will now come in a bottle that supports the circular economy.

Starting on Aug. 1, bottled Sprite will come in clear plastic bottles that will be much more recyclable than the previous bottles, which were recycled into single-use items like clothing and carpeting.

“Taking colours out of bottles improves the quality of the recycled material,” said Julian Ochoa, chief executive of R3CYCLE, a PET-recycling outfit that is working with Coca-Cola.

“This transition will help increase availability of food-grade rPET (recycled PET). When recycled, clear PET Sprite bottles can be remade into bottles, helping drive a circular economy for plastic,” Ochoa said.

Sprite has been around since 1961 and will also be getting a new logo and design.

DASANI water bottles will also be following suit in the type of plastics they are made from.