PepsiCo reports progress on sustainable packaging goals in 2024 ESG summary

USA – PepsiCo has made strides in reducing virgin plastic use, achieving a 5% reduction in 2024, surpassing its 2% annual target set in May, according to its 2024 ESG report released on Thursday. 

This marks the company’s first update since revising its sustainability goals under the PepsiCo Positive (pep+) initiative launched in 2021. 

Chief Sustainability Officer Jim Andrew emphasized transparency, stating, “We’ve learned a lot, and the world has changed, so we wanted to incorporate those learnings and external realities.”

The report outlines progress in reducing, recycling, and reinventing packaging to ensure it never becomes waste.

In May, PepsiCo adjusted its ambitions, replacing a 20% virgin plastic reduction goal by 2030 with a 2% annual reduction target through 2030 for primary plastic packaging in key markets.

The 5% reduction in 2024 signals a strong start, following a challenging 2023 when virgin plastic use increased by 11%. 

The company also advanced toward its new goal of 40% recycled content in plastic packaging by 2035, reaching 15% in 2024, up from 10% in 2023 and 7% in 2022.

PepsiCo scaled back its reusable packaging target, discontinuing a goal to deliver 20% of beverage servings via reusable models by 2030. 

However, it continues to explore reusability, notably through the Petaluma Reusable Cup Project in California, which collected 200,000 cups for reuse in 2024. 

The company also promotes reusable glass and plastic bottles and expands its SodaStream system. 

Additionally, PepsiCo aims for 97% of its packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable (RRC) by 2030, achieving 93% in 2024 for primary and secondary packaging in key markets.

Notable efforts include switching Mountain Dew bottles in Pakistan to light green for better recyclability, adopting partial-bottle wrap labels for Pepsi Black in China, and launching a 100% recycled PET bottle for 7UP in Taiwan.

On emissions, PepsiCo reported an 18% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 12% reduction in scope 3 energy and industry emissions in 2024, both measured against a 2022 baseline. 

Recent updates indicate PepsiCo is investing US$2.1 million in solar panels at its facilities in Romania, producing 1,300 MWh of green energy annually, reducing emissions by approximately 500 tons per year. 

These efforts highlight PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainable packaging and reduced environmental impact through innovation and collaboration.

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