In a bid to embrace greener technologies and reduce its reliance on fossil fuel-associated carbon dioxide, Coca-Cola’s largest bottler is set to embark on a pilot program to test air capture technology. This initiative is part of a partnership with the UK-based startup Airhive, which specializes in direct air capture.
Airhive, a leading developer in the field of air capture, recently secured funding from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the world’s foremost bottler of Coke, as well as from AP Ventures, Collaborative Fund, and angel investors. The move aligns with the bottler’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
Matthijs Kostelijk, Director at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, emphasized the significance of carbonation in beverage production and expressed optimism about leveraging this technology to drive decarbonization efforts. He stated, “The science behind those bubbles is not only important for creating our drinks, but could also offer an interesting new avenue to boost decarbonization. We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting technologies that could fast-track our progress – I’m excited to see where this project takes us.”
Airhive’s innovative technology is rooted in fluidization, a process that has been successfully implemented at scale for nearly eight decades. The company boasts the capability to capture up to 1000 tons of CO2 annually using its fluidization-based approach.
Explaining the technology further, Airhive stated, “Fluidization involves using a gas or liquid – in our case, air – to make static solid particles behave as a dynamic fluid. We utilize naturally carbon-absorbing rocks and enhance their CO2 uptake capacity by transforming them into small particles with exceptionally high surface areas. These particles are then fluidized, creating a turbulent cloud in which they rapidly interact with CO2 molecules present in the air.”
In addition to this initiative, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has been actively exploring other sustainability-focused ventures, including a trial involving “label-less” packaging for on-the-go Sprite and Sprite Zero products. The company has also collaborated with Deep Science Ventures to develop technologies aimed at addressing water scarcity, showcasing its commitment to driving positive environmental impact across various fronts.
Stay tuned for more updates on the climate crisis, energy innovation, and environmental sustainability.
