Traditional soda pop contributes to environmental harm through water use, sugar production, and especially packaging, according to an updated analysis. While companies like PepsiCo make progress on water efficiency, aluminum cans offer a greener option over plastic. Home carbonation systems and functional sodas emerge as more sustainable alternatives.
Soda production requires 2.7 liters of water per liter of beverage, excluding agricultural water for sugar, which is less than the 140 liters for a cup of coffee. Bottling plants draw from drought-prone areas; Coca-Cola has faced criticism in India for groundwater depletion and water pollution affecting local farmers. In March 2024, PepsiCo announced it reached its 2025 goal of 25% improved operational water-use efficiency in high-risk areas ahead of schedule, thanks to better corn-washing, water reuse, and vapor capture from potato processing.
Sugar accounts for 7% to 14% of soda's carbon footprint. In the US, high-fructose corn syrup from chemical-intensive corn monocultures depletes soil and contributes to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone. Soda with domestic sugarcane has a slightly smaller footprint. Natural sweeteners like stevia hold 5% of the 2024 carbonated beverage market, growing 7.6% annually, with sugar-free beverages projected to reach $38 billion by 2032.
Carbon dioxide adds 4.85 grams per liter of soda, a minor climate contributor compared to 2,392 grams from burning a liter of gasoline. Packaging dominates the impact at 59% to 77%. Aluminum cans recycle infinitely, saving 95% energy, with a 96.7% circularity rate versus 34% for PET bottles. Yet, US recycling hit only 43% in 2023, down from a 52% 30-year average, equating to $1.2 billion in lost aluminum. States with deposit programs achieve 74% rates, versus 26% without.
Soda fountains rely on disposable cups, while home kits like SodaStream carbonate 60 liters per CO2 canister, replacing over 170 plastic bottles, with exchange programs for refills. Functional sodas from Olipop and poppi offer prebiotics and 3 grams of fiber with less sugar. Organic sodas, using certified ingredients without artificial additives, comprise 20% of craft soda revenue.
Sustainable choices include aluminum cans, natural sweeteners, and home carbonation to reduce impact.