Brenda Lee, vice-president of Coca Cola China, insists companies could commercially benefit by developing green solutions.

Speaking during a panel debate on Opportunity in Green Development and New Businesses Leaders, she said the soft drinks giant had made major savings in China by implementing environmentally-friendly measures.

Over the past five years, the company has cut its water utilization and energy consumption, both by 35 per cent, in China. Its aim is to become water neutral by 2020, putting as much back into natural water systems as it takes out.