Water is the foundation of our beverages: it determines their quality and safety and is also essential for growing the agricultural ingredients we use. For this reason, the water used in our production processes undergoes specific treatments to ensure microbiological safety and the correct concentration of naturally dissolved mineral salts, in accordance with precise organoleptic characteristics. We are fully aware of its value, which is why our commitment to water conservation extends beyond water withdrawal activities: water efficiency is also at the heart of our efforts throughout the production processes at each of our facilities. Our goal is to reduce water consumption in relation to the liters of beverage produced, and to this end, we promote continuous investment in technological innovation. Furthermore, to complete the water cycle at our factories, we treat 100% of the wastewater generated by our production activities before returning it to the environment. 

As of 2024, the entire Coca-Cola HBC Group has decided to adopt the voluntary UNI ISO 46001:2021 certification standard for water resource management, replacing the previous AWS (Alliance for Water Stewardship) certification. The UNI ISO 46001:2021 standard defines the requirements and provides robust guidance for implementing and maintaining water efficiency management systems. Furthermore, as part of the international ISO (International Organization for Standardization) system, the world’s leading standards-setting organization, this certification is among the most recognized and robust standards within the international landscape and is globally acknowledged by all stakeholders.

All our soft drink and water production facilities in Nogara, Marcianise, Oricola and Lurisia, as well as the Fonti del Vulture plant in Rionero del Vulture (PZ), have obtained the certification

Coca-Cola HBC Italia and the Consorzio di Bonifica Veronese, the organization responsible for managing hydraulic and irrigation infrastructure in the Veronese plain, have entered into a ten-year partnership to develop a Forest Infiltration Area (AFI – Area Forestale di Infiltrazione) in the Alpo area, in the province of Verona.

Forest Infiltration Areas are agricultural areas located in the upper plain, characterized by highly permeable soils and equipped with a network of canals alternating with rows of trees and shrubs. A continuous flow of water drawn from external sources is directed through these canals to facilitate its infiltration into the shallow groundwater aquifer.

The aim of these installations is to revitalize the entire resurgence system by promoting the replenishment of water that would otherwise flow downstream without providing any benefit to the area, due to the limited porosity of the soil. Thanks to the network of trees and shrubs planted between the AFI canals, this type of project also improves soil health and biodiversity, creating a more resilient ecosystem, reducing the risk of flooding and mitigating the impacts of drought.

The project also provides a stable water supply for the urban and rural communities in the surrounding areas that draw water from wells connected to the aquifer. This benefits households for domestic use, as well as the numerous agricultural businesses in the area, for which reliable access to water helps support productivity and employment.

For more than half a century, the Veronese area has been home to Coca-Cola HBC’s largest production facility in Europe, located in Nogara. The site produces soft drinks for northern Italy and international markets, with more than 400 direct employees, an ecosystem of more than 100 local companies and 3,200 jobs generated across the value chain. The plant draws water for its operations from wells that have no impact on water supplies serving the local area. It already uses the most advanced optimization systems to limit water and energy consumption in its production processes and is equipped with sophisticated filtration systems that enable it to treat and return 100% of its process wastewater to the nearby Tartaro River.

The AFI project was launched in 2024, following a process of listening to and gathering the needs of the local area, with the aim of generating a solid and long-lasting benefit for the Veronese community. These needs were identified and addressed thanks to the strength and continuity of the relationship between Coca-Cola HBC Italia, local institutions and the community.

Construction of the forest infiltration area began in autumn 2024 and, following two years of work, the first infiltration season began in 2026. The area, covering almost two hectares, is already capable of infiltrating up to 800 million liters of water into the soil each year, diverted from the Adige River during the summer season. Once the necessary regional authorizations have been obtained to introduce water into the Forest Infiltration Area during the winter season as well, the project will be able to replenish the soil with 1.5 billion liters of water every year. This volume will exceed and more than offset the total amount of water contained in the beverages produced at the Nogara plant.

Over the years, Coca-Cola HBC Italia has promoted other environmental sustainability initiatives in Veneto, dedicated to the local area and developed in collaboration with local organizations. These include the partnership with the local Cà Magre Cooperative to restore and rehabilitate the “Palude di Pellegrina” wetland, and the Boscàja project, developed together with the Mag Committee to create a permanent woodland that benefits biodiversity and the local community.