Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against beverage giants PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, accusing them of misleading the public about the recyclability of their plastic bottles and downplaying the environmental impact of plastic disposal. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, seeks to end what it describes as “deceptive practices,” obtain restitution for consumers, and impose civil penalties. Both companies deny the allegations, insisting that their bottles are recyclable.
“Coke and Pepsi need to stop the deception and take responsibility for the plastic pollution problems your products are causing,” said LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, pledging that the county will continue addressing environmental impacts tied to misleading business practices.
PepsiCo, which owns brands like Aquafina and Gatorade, produces approximately 2.5 million metric tons of plastic annually, while Coca-Cola, behind brands such as Dasani and Smart Water, produces 3.224 million metric tons, according to the environmental group Break Free From Plastic. Both companies have been ranked among the world’s top plastic polluters for the past five years.
The lawsuit claims that PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have promoted a “circular economy” for plastic bottles, suggesting bottles can be endlessly recycled, while in reality, most plastic bottles can only be recycled once. The suit also alleges both companies have engaged in “disinformation campaigns” to encourage consumers to buy single-use plastic, leading to significant environmental harm.
The American Beverage Association, representing both companies, dismissed the claims, stating that California has a 71% bottle recycling rate and that their bottles can be made with up to 100% recycled plastic.
The complaint highlights concerns over microplastics, tiny plastic particles that break down from larger pieces in the environment. Microplastics can infiltrate soil and marine life and are increasingly found in human organs and tissues. Research suggests potential health risks, including links to heart disease and other conditions.
This suit follows a series of legal actions targeting plastic pollution. In February 2020, Earth Island Institute sued PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and other companies, while New York filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo last year over pollution in the Buffalo River. The LA lawsuit seeks to halt PepsiCo and Coca-Cola’s alleged “unfair and deceptive” practices, seeking restitution and civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation.