Coca-Cola South Africa has launched its PlantBottle packaging in Africa, as part of its sustainable strategy.

The recyclable PET plastic beverage bottle is made from up to 30% plant that is 100% recyclable.

PlantBottle packaging has reduced dependence on nonrenewables such as petroleum and has a lighter footprint on the environment.

The beverage firm said in two years since its introduction in the US, 2.5 billion PlantBottle packages had been produced by the end of 2010, eliminating the equivalent of about 60 000 barrels of oil from plastic bottles.

South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) executive director Charlotte Metcalf said the new bottle will significantly advance the bottling industry's 'green' strategy.