The Coca-Cola HBC Italia plant in Gaglianico (BI) reopens and becomes a sustainability hub

With an investment of over 30 million euros, the most important investment in sustainability in the history of the Group, the company revives its second Piedmontese site and transforms it into an innovative plant to recycle up to 30,000 tons of PET every year.

Gaglianico (BI), 17 January 2022 - Coca-Cola HBC Italia, the main bottler of The Coca-Cola Company brand products in Italy, has announced the investment of over 30 million euros for the reopening of its production site in Gaglianico (BI), confirming the company's commitment and contribution to the industrial development of the Biella area.  This is the most important investment in sustainability in the history of the Group which, thanks to the most advanced technologies in the sector, will convert the plant into an innovative plant capable of transformingup to 30,000 tons of PET per year into new 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottles for bottling the company's beverages. 

The investment, which is in addition to the more than 100 million euros invested in sustainability in the country in the last 10 years alone, is another concrete action to meet the requirements of the European Directive on Single-Use Plastics (so-called SUP Directive) which came into force on January 14 also in Italy. Since PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), the plastic from which beverage containers are made is 100% recyclable numerous times, among other things, the Directive has provided for the use of at least 30% recycled PET in the production of new bottles by 2030. Well in advance, therefore, the Gaglianico site will make it possible to exceed this objective through a plan divided into two phases: a first phase, operational upon completion of the works scheduled for the end of March, in which the plant will activate the process of transforming resin, both virgin and recycled, into preforms which will then become bottles through a special blowing process; a second phase, which will instead be operational after the approval of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) scheduled for July, in which the site will reach full operation by also making rPET resin internally, which will thus become the only resin used within the plant. 

"Despite the difficulties in our sector related to the pandemic and the nightmare of sugar and plastic taxes that remain confirmed, we continue to invest and do our part both to move towards a real circular economy in the country and to contribute to the socio-economic development of a region to which we are particularly attached," said Frank O'Donnell, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Italia "We are proud to be able to give a second life to this plant and we hope that EFSA approval will arrive soon to make it 100% operational as soon as possible" 

"Today the work of years that has allowed Piedmontese regional politics to gain credibility and trust is realized" say the President of the Piedmont Region, Alberto Cirio, and the Councilor for Labor, Elena Chiorino "Thanks to Coca-Cola HBC Italia for the great entrepreneurial spirit shown, despite the difficulties dictated by the pandemic and taxation. As a Region, we are the leader, at the State-Regions conference, in the fight against taxation on sugar and plastic. We support ecology, but we want to protect all those companies that for us represent the first garrison to protect the environment, just as Coca-Cola HBC Italia demonstrates today by bringing research, innovation and technology to Piedmont to protect the environment. We believe in a policy that knows how to look to the future, with a view to construction, growth and sustainability that is environmental, social and economic. Today's news is one that gives energy and confidence, demonstrating both Piedmont's ability to be attractive, but also how the conditions can be created, thanks to the good "doing" policy, which bring investments and contribute to the relaunch of our territory, with a truly considerable employment induced. Our thanks go to Coca-Cola HBC Italia who believed in the potential of our territory and to those who will do it again by choosing Piedmont: now more than ever it is time to continue to push on the accelerator to build our future".

"The story between Coca-Cola HBC Italia and Gaglianico goes back a long way, a synergy that over the years has been able to bring value to both and that has allowed us to carry out important initiatives for the community" says Paolo Maggia, Mayor of Gaglianico "For this reason, seeing this plant reborn is a source of pride, Not only for the positive impact it will have on our territory, with new jobs and the consequent induced activities, but also because it will allow us to become a hub of innovation and sustainability"  

The site, which will cover a total area of 18,000^m2 powered by 100% energy from renewable sources, employs more than 40 direct employees at full capacity.  This investment confirms the importance of Piedmont for Coca-Cola HBC Italia, a region in which it is already present with its sales force and the plant in Roccaforte di Mondovì (CN) where Lurisia waters are bottled. A recent study by SDA Bocconi showed that, thanks to its presence in the area, Coca-Cola generates 21 million euros (0.02% of the regional GDP) for families, businesses and the State, and creates more than 1,800 jobs, including related industries.