Maximizing shareholder value has been the main goal of many companies. However, in recent years, companies have realized that customers and investors are more concerned with companies’ reputation especially their corporate social responsibility and sustainability. Commitment to global stewardship and development, social responsibility and ethics have become many companies’ focus. The Coca Cola Company is among the leading companies when it comes to corporate social responsibility. The company started this concept in the following main areas: active healthy living, energy and climate, the community, beverage benefits, the work place, water stewardship, and sustainable packaging (The Coca-Cola Company, 2017). The company has also adopted various international guidelines on corporate social responsibility like the Respect and Remedy framework, and Global Compact into its conduct.
The company focuses on conserving the environment by using materials that are recyclable. In 2009, the Coca Cola Company launched PlantBottle becoming the first PET plastic bottle globally that is fully recyclable. PlantBottle packaging account for approximately 7 percent of company’s packaging volume globally and 30 percent in North America. Coca-Cola Company make the PET plastic bottles from sugar and plant matter material hence reducing CO2 emissions. Coca-Cola is investing in more technology that will enable the company to utilize recycled material morein packaging. In 2018, the company announced its intentions to expand the access to the IP for the PlantBottle (Moye, 2019). One of the goals of the company is to push innovation to chemical recycling and packaging design.
Since its start, the Coca Cola Company has given back over one billion dollars to promote local communities sustainability all over the world through The Coca-Cola Foundation. This is the company’s main philanthropic arm internationally. The company has committed itself to giving back 1% of each previous year’s operating income through company donations and this foundation. In 2017, the company gave back over 138 milli9n dollars to benefit almost 300 organizations across over seventy territories and countries (The Coca-Cola Company, n.d). The priority areas of the company include protecting the environment, empowering women and enhancing communities.
The Coca Cola Company uses the advertising platforms to promote and celebrate its values. It celebrates unity especially when there is cultural division. It reminds it customer about togetherness. For instance, in a spot named: A Coke is a Coke”, the company highlight that Coca-Cola is for everyone. In the ad, the animated characters represent people in various walks of life. This is an expression of the company’s values (Moye, 2019).
The discussed examples above are simply some of Coca-Cola’s main programs that promote corporate social responsibility, its values and ethics. The company has numerous programs set to promote sustainability, company ethics and values, and its commitment to global development and stewardship. It has an outstanding record in social responsibility, ethics and global stewardship and I would recommend the fund to invest in the company.
References
Moye, J. (2019, Jan 25). Coca-Cola CEO at Davos: Collection and Recycling Key to Driving Circular Plastics Economy. Retrived from: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/coca-cola-ceo-at-davos-collection-and-recycling-key-to-driving-circular-plastics-economy
Moye, J. (2019, Jan 24). Together is Beautiful: Coca-Cola Uses Big Game to Celebrate Unity and Diversity in Both its Advertising and Hometown. Retrieved from:
https://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/together-is-beautiful-coca-cola-uses-big-game-to-celebrate-unity-and-diversity-in-both-its-advertising-and-hometown
The Coca-Cola Company. (2017). 2017 Sustainability Report. Retrieved from: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/2017-sustainability-report
The Coca-Cola Company. (n.d). The Coca-Cola Foundation. Retrieved from: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/our-company/the-coca-cola-foundation