Soft drinks giant PepsiCo is set to cut back its use of virgin plastics and use up to 50% recycled plastic in its packaging as part of its new sustainability-oriented business model. The retailer has also announced its partnership with Beyond Meat to release plant-based snacks by 2022.
The announcements come as part of Pepsi’s new scheme, known as ‘pep+’, which is seeking to improve the company’s carbon footprint and put sustainability at the centre of its business model. The new initiative has three central pillars including positive agriculture, positive value chain and positive choices. Within the pillars the company has laid out its 2030 goals, encompassing achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, reaching a net water positive status, and regenerating land impacted by its operations – representing around 7 million acres.
“pep+ is the future of our company – a fundamental transformation of what we do and how we do it to create growth and shared value with sustainability and human capital at the center,” said Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo’s Chairman and CEO. “It reflects a new business reality, where consumers are becoming more interested in the future of the planet and society.”
According to Greenpeace, PepsiCo uses 2.3 million metric tonnes of plastic every year. The major has set its sights on reaching 100% recyclable or biodegradable packaging by 2025.
“pep+ directly links the future of our business with the future of our planet, for the benefit of both – from how we source ingredients and make and sell our products; to how we inspire consumers through our iconic brands to make better choices for themselves and the planet; to how we support communities and improve livelihoods throughout our supply chain,” said Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo.
The joint venture between Pepsi and Beyond Meat was initially launched in January this year, called The PLANeT Partnership, and will combine the companies’ respective expertise to bring plant-based protein snacks to consumers by 2022.
Reference：
