“Los Angeles County Takes on PepsiCo and Coca-Cola in Lawsuit Over Plastic Pollution: What You Need to Know”

Los Angeles County has taken a bold step in the fight against plastic pollution by filing a lawsuit against beverage giants PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. The lawsuit, filed on October 30, alleges that the companies misled the public on the recyclability of their plastic beverage containers and the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

According to the lawsuit, which was documented by Reuters, Los Angeles County is suing PepsiCo and Coca-Cola for public nuisance and violations of unfair competition law and false advertising law. The county is seeking injunctive relief, restitution, abatement, and civil penalties in response to what they claim is intentional deception by the companies.

The lawsuit argues that PepsiCo and Coca-Cola were aware that their plastic beverage containers could not be recycled without negative environmental consequences. The county also highlighted the fact that the production, disposal, and recycling of plastic all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and harm the environment.

Los Angeles County Board Chair Lindsey Horvath emphasized the county’s commitment to reducing plastic use and protecting the environment. She called on Coke and Pepsi to take responsibility for the plastic pollution caused by their products and to end deceptive practices that mislead the public.

The lawsuit also pointed out that Coca-Cola has been identified as the top plastic polluter globally for six consecutive years, according to Break Free From Plastic’s 2023 Global Brand Audit. Other top polluters named in the report include Nestlé, Unilever, PepsiCo, and Mondelēz International.

In response to the lawsuit, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are part of the American Beverage Association, which cited a 71% bottle recycling rate in 2023. However, the lawsuit alleges that the companies’ claims of circularity and sustainability are deceptive to consumers, as plastic bottles can only be recycled once, if at all.

This lawsuit is part of a larger trend of legal action against companies for misleading claims about recyclability and sustainability. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has also reported companies, including Coca-Cola, for misleading recyclability claims.

Overall, the lawsuit against PepsiCo and Coca-Cola highlights the urgent need for companies to be transparent and accountable for their environmental impact. As plastic pollution continues to threaten wildlife and public health, it is essential for companies to take responsibility and work towards more sustainable practices.