PepsiCo is setting a new standard for sustainability within the food and beverage industry. Their beverage plant in Álava, Basque Country, Spain is on track to become the company’s first net-zero emissions plant globally by 2025, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

The Spanish plant’s transformation hinges on complete electrification by 2025. This ambitious shift away from traditional energy sources will eliminate nearly 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. PepsiCo’s commitment to renewable energy goes back to 2015, when the Spanish plant began using sustainable electricity sources.

Sustainability is a core principle for PepsiCo, reflected in their €27 million investment over the last five years at the Spanish plant. “We allocated these funds to various initiatives including new, eco-friendly packaging equipment, warehouse consolidation to streamline transportation and reduce emissions, and optimized production processes to minimize waste,” said Pol Codina, General Manager of PepsiCo in Southwestern Europe.

This achievement aligns with PepsiCo Positive, the company’s comprehensive sustainability program. PepsiCo Positive has set a series of ambitious goals, including a 75% reduction in emissions from direct operations and a 40% reduction in emissions from indirect operations by 2030. Ultimately, PepsiCo Positive aspires to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

Archana Jagannathan, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo Europe, said: “As one of the largest food and drink companies in the world, we know we have a critical role to play in addressing climate change. This huge milestone for our Spanish plant is a testament to our determination to transition to net-zero across our entire value chain, leading the move towards a more sustainable future for our planet and people.“

PepsiCo’s sustainability efforts extend far beyond the Spanish plant. They’ve implemented a number of innovative initiatives in recent years, including:

• 100% Recycled Plastic Bottles: In 2021, PepsiCo Spain transitioned to 100% recycled plastic bottles across their entire Pepsi beverage range.
• Cardboard Can Grouping: PepsiCo is replacing conventional can grouping materials with more sustainable cardboard solutions.
• Tethered Cap Pilot: Proactive in adhering to upcoming European regulations, PepsiCo has piloted the use of tethered caps on their products.
• Środa Śląska Factory, Poland: PepsiCo constructed their most sustainable factory in Europe in Środa Śląska, Poland. This state-of-the-art facility utilizes rainwater collection systems, rooftop solar panels, and aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 without relying on carbon offsets.

Related Article: PepsiCo Boosts Water Sustainability Efforts with New Projects in California and Florida

PepsiCo’s dedication to environmental responsibility serves as a leading example for other companies in the food and beverage industry. Their groundbreaking achievements at the Spanish plant and beyond demonstrate the potential for significant progress on the path towards a sustainable future.