By Melody Korongwe
After decades of maintaining its classic contour bottle design, Coca-Cola is introducing a significant update aimed at modernizing its appearance and enhancing sustainability. This redesign reflects the company’s commitment to innovation while honoring its rich heritage.
The Evolution of the Contour Bottle
To understand the significance of this change, it’s important to look at the history of the iconic Coca-Cola bottle. The original Coca-Cola bottle, known as the ‘contour bottle,’ was designed in 1915 by Earl R. Dean and Harold Hirsch. The goal was to create a bottle that could be recognized by touch alone and distinguished even when broken. Inspired by the cocoa pod, the bottle’s unique shape became a hallmark of the brand, ensuring instant recognition across the globe.
What’s Changing?
The updated design introduces several key changes, balancing aesthetics with functionality:
• Sleeker Profile: The bottle now features a more streamlined silhouette, making it easier to hold and enhancing its visual appeal.
• Reduced Plastic Use: The new design utilizes advanced blow mold technology, allowing for lighter-weight bottles. This innovation reduces plastic waste and decreases carbon emissions associated with production and transportation.
• Sustainable Materials: Coca-Cola is increasing the use of recycled PET (rPET) in its bottles, aligning with its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Why the Change?
This redesign aligns with Coca-Cola’s ‘World Without Waste’ strategy, aiming to collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one sold by 2030. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, Coca-Cola is adapting by reducing plastic usage and incorporating more recycled materials. This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also meets the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
When Will You See It?
The rollout of the new bottles will begin across the United States and Canada throughout 2025, with a complete transition expected by 2026. This means that soon, consumers will be able to enjoy their favorite beverages in a package that blends classic design with modern sustainability efforts.
Ultimately, this redesign signifies Coca-Cola’s efforts to innovate while staying true to its legacy. By embracing modern sustainability measures while maintaining its iconic brand image, Coca-Cola is proving that even a timeless design can evolve to meet the demands of the future.
Melody Korongwe is a driven and ambitious journalist with a strong passion for storytelling. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Media, and Broadcasting from the University of Zimbabwe, she possesses a solid foundation in newswriting and media principles. With a keen interest in contributing to the media industry, Melody is dedicated to leveraging her writing skills to produce high-quality content. She can be reached at melodykorongwe4@gmail.com or +263 786 640 520
