A new investigation reveals Coca-Cola's significant link to fracking operations in Texas, raising serious environmental and health concerns. Stand.earth found the company, alongside Unilever and Nestlé, uses ethane derived from Permian Basin fracking to produce plastic packaging. This connection exposes Coca-Cola to criticism over its environmental impact, contradicting its 'World Without Waste' initiative.

The fracking process itself is highly damaging, involving toxic chemicals and water contamination risks, including tap water ignitability near sites. The environmental justice group Fenceline Watch starkly warns that this 'irreversible damage' spans generations, causing low birth weights and developmental harm. Coca-Cola has pledged to increase recycled plastic use to 30-35% by 2035, but critics argue this isn't enough, highlighting the company's continued reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics instead of safer alternatives like recycled or bio-based materials.

This report forces a hard look at corporate responsibility in the plastic supply chain.