PepsiCo builds on sustainable business

Watch PepsiCo’s ’Path to zero environmental impact’ video here.

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PepsiCo UK plans to make all its packaging renewable, recyclable or bio-degradable, as part of further sustainability targets to “radically” reduce its impact on the environment.

In its second environmental sustainability report, PepsiCo UK looked at climate change, agriculture, water use, its products and how the company works with others, to drive change within the business.

The food and drink manufacture plans to introduce FSC paper-based packaging to its Quaker and Walkers brands within three years as part of its plan to make all packaging renewable, recyclable or bio-degradable by 2018.

The packing material is currently being trialled on its premium Red Sky crisps.

The firm claims to have reduced total waste to landfill by 71% and achieved zero waste to landfill at nine factories.

PepsiCo also aims to be fossil fuel free by 2023 and make sure all the energy used within its manufacturing and distribution comes from renewable sources within 15 years.

One measure it will make is to replace its entire delivery fleet with low-emissions vehicles.

Richard Evans, president of PepsiCo UK and Ireland says: “For me, the business case is clear; building sustainability into our corporate DNA cuts costs, drives innovation, reduces risk and motivates employees. My challenge over the next few years will be to truly embed sustainability into every aspect of our business.”

Other commitments PepsiCo has made:

  • Reduce agricultural carbon emissions by 50% using its recently introduced iCrop tool
  • Unplug PepsiCo UK’s emissions form the water grid achieving zero water intake within 10 years
  • Make all packaging renewable, recyclable or compostable by 2018

PepsiCo UK says its pledges to transform the business require it to be “a catalyst for change” and work with suppliers and public bodies to transform the whole economy and engage consumers with sustainability.

The company also pledges to “use our influence to encourage wider action on environmental sustainability, for example by supporting public policies that drive the transition to a low-carbon economy, including a floor in the price of carbon”.
Last October, PepsiCo UK unveiled its Sustainable Farming Report, which outlined it efforts to improve its agricultural business.