LOS ANGELES—In a significant move, Los Angeles County has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit against PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses the cola giants of contributing to negative impacts on the environment and public health.
The lawsuit alleges that the companies misled consumers about the recyclability of plastic beverage containers and failed to disclose the environmental and health risks associated with these containers. It highlights that current recycling methods are insufficient to eliminate environmental impacts, leading to most plastic containers ending up in landfills or as litter. The production, disposal, and recycling of plastic also generate greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm that adversely affect county residents.
Lindsey Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the county’s commitment to reducing plastic usage and protecting the environment. She called on Coke and Pepsi to take responsibility for the plastic pollution caused by their products and to end deceptive practices.
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, the owners of popular brands like Coke, Pepsi, and Dasani, have been accused of being the world’s top plastic polluters for five consecutive years. The lawsuit claims that the companies have not been held accountable for their plastic pollution, despite their global impact.
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The lawsuit also accuses PepsiCo and Coca-Cola of running a disinformation campaign to mislead consumers into thinking that buying their products in single-use plastic bottles is environmentally friendly. However, the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment poses a serious threat to land and water sources, wildlife, and public health.
Furthermore, the county alleges that the companies have failed to fulfill promises to increase the use of recycled plastic and reduce the use of virgin plastic. The lawsuit seeks to hold the companies accountable for their deceptive practices, provide restitution to consumers, and impose civil penalties for violations.
