Global food and drink business PepsiCo has said that it will begin a trial of using recycled content in a range from its Walkers brand later this year.
It will also start pilots of a renewable plastic in its crisp packets in France soon.
This is part of its goal of eliminating the use of fossil-based plastics in crisp and chip bags in European markets by 2030. PepsiCo said that it is aiming to trial 100% recyclable or renewable packaging for crisps and chips in Europe this year.
As part of its 2021 ESG Summary, PepsiCo said that its packaging targets include:
by 2025:
Design 100% of its packaging to be recyclable, compostable, biodegradable or reusable
Invest to help increase recycling rates in key markets
by 2030:
Cut virgin plastic from non-renewable sources per serving across its global beverages and convenient foods portfolio by 50% through:
- Scaling new business models that avoid or minimise single-use packaging materials (e.g., models that reuse, refill, prepare at home, utilise concentrates like powders, drops, etc.)
- Reducing its absolute tonnage of virgin plastic from non-renewable sources by 20%, including by:Using market-leading bio-based and renewable materials
- Using 50% recycled content in its plastic packaging
- Developing and deploying disruptive sustainable packaging materials and new models for convenient foods and beverages (e.g. SodaStream, powders, bio-based materials, reusable or low/no package models)
PepsiCo chief sustainability officer Jim Andrew said: “PepsiCo’s commitment and action to create a more sustainable and resilient food system is unwavering and we are proud of the progress that we have made in 2021 toward our new and updated pep+ goals.
“Our aim is to decouple so our business can grow sustainably, while decreasing environmental impacts. There is still much more work to be done and we cannot do it alone, so we – in partnership with our value chain partners, communities, NGOs and government leaders – will continue investing in action, innovation and partnerships that enable us all to realise a more sustainable future.”
