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Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company has opened a new high-speed returnable glass bottling line at its plant in Edelstal, Austria. The €12 million investment from Coca-Cola HBC was supported by a €4 million grant from the Austrian government as part of its fund for beverage companies and retailers to enable a true circular economy for packaging. The new line – which has increased water and energy efficiency – will produce a 400ml returnable and resealable glass bottle for the Austrian market. Coca-Cola HBC says this is a first across 29 markets and is aimed at the on-the-go and at-home consumption markets. The new line “significantly” expands the range of returnable products in the Coca-Cola HBC portfolio to include Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 400ml glass bottles. The investment is part of the company's plan to achieve net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. Coca-Cola HBC says that the expansion in returnable packaging is in response to growing consumer demand for returnable packaging solutions in Austria and will also help customers meet quotas for returnable packaging in retail, which are due to be introduced by 2024. Coca-Cola HBC CEO, Zoran Bogdanovic, said: “For some years now, Coca-Cola HBC Austria has been at the forefront of pioneering new sustainable solutions, and we’re delighted that our focus on investment, innovation and partnerships are helping us to meet our goal of delivering our drinks in more sustainable ways. Austria is already one of our fastest-growing markets for reusable packaging, and this new line will further accelerate this packaging type, which is in demand by our customers and consumers alike.” He continued: “As returnable packaging options offer a reduced carbon footprint, this new line in Austria further supports our Net Zero by 2040 goal. We’re grateful for the partnership with the Austrian Government as we work together towards a common goal of a greener business model and a better environment.” Coca-Cola HBC has reduced Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 30% in the last twelve years. As packaging accounts for 34% of Scope 3 emissions in Coca-Cola HBC’s total supply chain, the company says it is a key component of its carbon emissions reduction pathway.