CSR - BBC One Planet on Coca-Cola & Sustainability

This podcast from a special edition of BBC World Service’s One Planet makes ideal listening for students researching corporate social responsibility. The opening 8 minutes of the programme features an interview with John Brock, Head of Coca-Cola Enterprises in Western Europe, where he talks generally about the role of CSR in Coca-Cola’s strategy. Well worth a listen…

You can hear the podcast here

My brief notes from the broadcast are as follows:

BBC One Planet
John Brock - Head of Coca-Cola Enterprises:

Coca-Cola - a global brand with global profits
The world’s most iconic brand - sold everywhere
The world’s most valuable brand, but part of a brand portfolio

Sustainability - why?
The right thing to do
Makes good business sense

Three environmental focuses:
Energy conservation
Pacakaging resuse/recycling
Water stewardship

By pursuing all of these sustainability, you:
Reduce costs
increasing innovation
Becoming more efficient and effective

The reason for Coca-Cola to exist - making money (“creating value for shareholders”)

So why does sustainability fit in with this objective?
Good for:
Image & reputation
Relationships with suppliers
People - employees want to be part of a company focusing on sustainability

A marketing ploy?
Why should customers believe that sustainability is anything other than a marketing ploy?

Coca-Cola
Product range includes many low or zero calorie products

Why is sustainability so popular?
Companies recognise that is simply makes good business sense - good for society; good for the profit and loss account

Swap for Swag Project
Recycling project - swapping packaging for new Coca-Cola branded merchandise
Example & description here