Transcript
Coca-Cola Amatil's Fiji managing director Roger Hare says the new line has tripled its capacity and will support growth for the next 10 years.
He says the move will also enable the company to embark on a significant export strategy from Fiji over the next five to eight years.
The company produces brands such as Coca-Cola, Powerade and Fiji Water.
At the launch of the new line earlier this month Roger Hare said:
"This has been a few years in the planning and I'm ecstatic that we are now up and running. The installation of the Krones equipment began in September 2016 and our people have worked tirelessly to ensure we would be ready to launch and I'm very proud and grateful for all their efforts. We realised further investment into the Amatil Fiji business was necessary and I have to thank the leadership team for their incredible support."
Fiji's Ministry of Health says the increase in capacity by the soft drink company highlights tensions with the industry as the government works towards protecting children's health and facing climate issues.
The Ministry's National Advisor for Non Communicable Diseases says the government is working to regulate the market through sugar taxes, advertising standards and public health education.
Isimeli Tukana says the government is liaising with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to negotiate with such industries and says Fiji's beverage production also has an impact on neighbouring Pacific nations struggling with health issues like childhood obesity.
It's one of the battles that we have not only in Fiji but all over the world. And it's recognised by the World Health Organisation and it's no different in Fiji. As we try and fight to reduce the advertisements of unhealthy foods and unhealthy drinks for children, our biggest barrier and our fight is with these big industries.
Dr Tukana says with Fiji also currently the head of COP23 there are climate and plastic pollution obligations that need to be met.
Alfred Ralifo is a Policy Coordinator for Fiji's World Wildlife Fund and says the agency is working with the company to promote plastic recycling, with the business buying back plastic by the kilogramme.
Coca-Cola Amatil is one of the companies here is Fiji that actually produces a lot of plastic bottles and is also one of the companies that actually invests in the recycling of those plastic bottles. If they plan to actually increase the production of plastic bottles then I think that should also match in terms of their capacity to also recycle the increasing plastic bottles.
Mr Ralifo says ocean plastic pollution is a huge problem and the WWF is pushing for a new international agreement where countries can better regulate plastic production.
He says the private sector, agencies and governments need to work together to build recycling infrastructure for rural communities who are over burdened by plastic waste.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Amatil says it employs thousands of people, supplying millions of customers and is committed to innovation and building a sustainable future while delivering long-term value to its shareholders.