Coca-Cola backs Yorkshire river revival

A global soft drinks company is backing a multi-million-pound programme to restore rivers and boost flood resilience across West Yorkshire.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), alongside The Coca-Cola Company, has extended its partnership with Calder Rivers Trust through a £2.55 million, three-year programme focused on water replenishment and habitat restoration.

The initiative will support projects across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, working with local landowners to create ponds and wetlands, restore habitats and improve water availability.

It also aims to enhance water quality, boost biodiversity and strengthen flood resilience in vulnerable areas.

Gary McElyea, senior director public affairs, communications and sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company GB, said: “Healthy river systems are essential for both people and nature, and we recognise our responsibility to help protect the water resources that communities and our business rely on. 

“Through close collaboration with Calder Rivers Trust, we’re improving water quality, boosting biodiversity and strengthening flood resilience across the area. 

“We’re proud to extend this partnership for another three years, supporting our wider commitment to responsible water stewardship.”

Nick Simms, chair, Calder Rivers Trust, added: “Our water stewardship work across the River Calder catchment focuses on improving water quality through the way land is used and cared for. 

“By working with landholders and businesses, and by restoring and looking after the catchment’s natural features and processes, we can help nature recover, reduce the excess nutrients and pollutants reaching our rivers, and help the catchment hold more water in times of both flood and drought. 

“This will support healthier rivers, stronger habitats, and wider benefits for the communities and wildlife that depend on them. 

“We are pleased to be continuing and strengthening this collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and The Coca-Cola Company over the next three years.”

The investment builds on earlier work in the region, including projects near Hebden Bridge where newly created wetlands now help retain water and support wildlife. 

The continued partnership reflects the importance of sustainable water management to Coca-Cola’s Wakefield manufacturing site, Europe’s largest soft drinks plant by volume.

As part of its wider sustainability commitments, the company is targeting the return of at least 100 per cent of the water used in its finished drinks to nature and communities by 2030. 

Recent operational improvements at the Wakefield site have already reduced water usage significantly.

Sam Jones, director, sustainability and policy at CCEP GB, added: “Water is fundamental to our business, from the ingredients we source to the drinks we produce, so we take our responsibility to protect it seriously.

“Our partnership with Calder Rivers Trust has proven that working with local communities delivers measurable results. 

“Over the past three years we’ve seen the impact firsthand, from wetland creation above Hebden Bridge, and Slaithwaite, giving us improved climate resilience across the catchment. 

“Extending this work for another three years will build on that success and bring us closer to our 2030 water replenishment commitment.”

The programme also forms part of a broader collaboration with The Rivers Trust, which has delivered more than 170 water-based environmental projects across the UK over the past decade.

By 2028, the partnership aims to contribute to long-term water resilience targets across the region’s river catchments.

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