ATLANTA—Textures, functionality, nutraceuticals, flavors and sustainability are all buzzwords Coca-Cola executives are using to describe future products that just may take the Atlanta-based beverage maker beyond the world of beverages and into the next realm of products and sensory experiences.
According to a recent Reuters article, scientists at Coca-Cola are working on developments ranging from plant-derived plastic to beverages with new textures. Coca-Cola’s Venturing and Emerging Brands (VEB) are fast at work developing beverages with new textures as well as plant-based packaging. Bilal Kaafarani, Coke's senior vice president of research and innovation, said key areas of exploration were natural products for drinks—from sweeteners to colors to preservatives—and infusing them with healthier functionality like omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants.
"The thing that I get excited about is product forms and sensory experiences continuing to change," said Mary-Ann Somers, VEB vice president of marketing. "Functionality will continue to evolve, but how it's delivered and how you experience a liquid beverage continues to change."
Reuters also noted that Coca-Cola introduced a recyclable plastic bottle last year that featured 30 percent plant-based materials. The company expects to have all its virgin resin made with the partial-plant material by 2020.
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