The Coca-Cola Company has unveiled a new plastic bottle made partially from plants. The "PlantBottle" is fully-recyclable, relies less on non-renewable resources, and reduces carbon emissions.

"The PlantBottle" is a significant development in sustainable packaging innovation," said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. "It builds on our legacy of environmental ingenuity and sets the course for us to realize our vision to eventually introduce bottles made with materials that are 100 percent recyclable and renewable."

Traditional PET bottles are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. The new bottle is made from a blend of petroleum-based materials and up to 30 percent plant-based materials.

"The Coca-Cola Company is a company with the power to transform the marketplace, and the introduction of the "PlantBottle" is yet another great example of their leadership on environmental issues," said Carter Roberts, President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund, U.S. "We are pleased to be working with Coke to tackle sustainability issues and drive innovations like this through their supply chain, the broader industry and the world."

The "PlantBottle" is made through an innovative process that turns sugar cane and molasses into a key component for PET plastic. Coca-Cola is also exploring the use of other plant materials for future generations of the "PlantBottle."

Manufacturing the new plastic bottle is more environmentally-efficient as well. A life-cycle analysis conducted by Imperial College London indicates the "PlantBottle" reduces carbon emissions by up to 25 percent.

Another advantage to the "PlantBottle" is that, unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET. So, the material in the "PlantBottle" can be used, recycled and reused again and again.

Coca-Cola North America will pilot the "PlantBottle" with Dasani and sparkling brands in select markets later this year and with vitaminwater in 2010.