Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has signed a five-year partnership with environmental not-for-profit organisation, Landcare Australia, to help protect and preserve Australia’s natural environment, with a focus on boosting biodiversity and fostering sustainable ecosystems.
The partnership is centred on a major revegetation project that will take place at various CCEP sites throughout Australia and will involve the planting of approximately 55,000 native trees, shrubs, and grasses across 55 hectares of land.
The project has been registered under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, which will enable CCEP to earn carbon credits; aligning with the company’s ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2040, as outlined in its sustainability action plan, This Is Forward.
CCEP sustainability lead – Australia, Scott Edwards, said the company was committed to taking meaningful action where it can make a significant difference, especially at its sites.
“By working together with Landcare Australia’s experts in revegetation projects, we can improve the biodiversity of the land on which we operate, help restore local ecosystems and make a positive impact on the environment for generations to come,” said Edwards.
“Our commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040 is driven by a multifaceted strategy. We prioritise decarbonising our operations by transitioning to renewable energy sources, optimising transport routes, and improving energy efficiency across our production facilities.
“We also support and invest in carbon offsetting projects, such as this biodiversity project. This holistic approach ensures we are making meaningful progress towards our sustainability goals while fostering positive environmental impacts,” he said.
With more than three decades of experience in ecosystem restoration, Landcare Australia will lead the revegetation project, from site preparation, through to seeding, planting and ongoing management.
Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said the organisation takes great pride in being able to support businesses like CCEP to bring to life purpose-led initiatives that have a tangible and positive impact on the environment.
“It’s fantastic to see CCEP making meaningful use of its sites beyond making beverages,” said Norrish.
“This collaboration will not only reinvigorate the land at key CCEP sites but also create positive, long-lasting opportunities for native flora and fauna to thrive.
“While CCEP’s initial partnership with Landcare Australia will continue for five years, the revegetation project itself is expected to span a century. It will deliver significant, long-term ecological co-benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced water retention, and increased habitat for native wildlife, contributing to the overall resilience of local ecosystems for the next 100 years.”
CCEP employees are being actively engaged in the project through volunteering and planting days, allowing them the opportunity to contribute to the revegetation efforts and give back to nature.
Landcare Australia will also be working hand-in-hand with the local community and respecting Indigenous knowledge to help us shape a project that supports the community, honours culture, and lasts for generations.
Coca-Cola in Australia has had an enduring relationship with Landcare Australia of more than 19 years. Previous initiatives include the Farm Dam Restoration Project, a community-driven program dedicated to rehabilitating nine degraded farm dams across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. The project focuses on enhancing drought resilience, improving water quality, and creating healthier habitats to support native wildlife.
