Corporate Accountability in The Coca-Cola Company’s Implementation of Circular Economy Practices: A Documentation-Based Study
DOI: 10.35760/ugefic.v8i1.240Abstract
Corporate accountability in the sustainability era increasingly demands transparency, measurable actions, and communication aligned with evolving social and environmental values. This study examines how The Coca-Cola Company, one of the world’s largest beverage corporations, demonstrates accountability in implementing circular economy principles. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through a documentation study of The Coca-Cola Company’s Sustainability Report, World Without Waste Progress Report, and other relevant academic and policy documents. Content and thematic analyses were employed to identify key patterns. Five major themes emerged: (1) transparency in sustainability disclosures, (2) circular economy strategies targeting plastic packaging, (3) collaboration with stakeholders, including governments and NGOs, (4) recognition of challenges and public criticisms, and (5) corporate communication in shaping legitimacy and trust. The findings suggest that Coca-Cola’s accountability is multidimensionally informative, social, and symbolic. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on corporate sustainability and provides practical insights for multinational companies seeking to enhance their credibility and accountability, particularly in the context of circular economy transitions.
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