The Coca-Cola Company — Ethics Grade D+

The Coca-Cola Company receives an overall ethics grade of D+ (39/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Food & Beverage. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 40
• privacy: 90
• consumer: 45
• environment: 30
• humanRights: 35

Documented incidents (3)

• World's Top Plastic Polluter (high, 2023) — For several consecutive years, 'Break Free From Plastic' audits have found Coca-Cola to be the top global plastic polluter, with more waste found in nature than the next two top polluters combined.
• Water Depletion in Mexico (high, 2020) — The company was accused of depleting water supplies in regions of Mexico like Chiapas, leading to local water shortages while bottling soda for profit in a region with high diabetes rates.
• Anti-Union Allegations in Colombia (high, 2016) — Groups have long alleged that Coca-Cola bottlers in Colombia utilized paramilitary groups to intimidate and assassinate union leaders to suppress labor rights.

Documented good deeds

• Water Replenishment Goal — Coca-Cola claims to replenish 100% of the water it uses in its beverages back to nature and communities.

Ethical alternatives

• Guayakí Yerba Mate — Focuses on regenerative forest agriculture and fair trade practices.