Pepsi Released The Latest Report 22 Markets Around The World Are Gradually Using 100%rPET Bottles

Pepsi released the latest report: 22 markets around the world are gradually using 100%rPET bottles

PepsiCo recently shared its progress on its recycling packaging goals in its 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

UK to pilot plastic recycling by end of year

PepsiCo plans to remove fossil-fuel plastic from all its potato chip bags by 2030, starting a trial in the European market this year. The tests include the use of "renewable plastics" in packaging for a range of products in France derived from plant by-products such as used cooking oil or pulp waste. PepsiCo also plans to conduct a pilot of recycled plastic in the UK by the end of 2022.

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100%rPET bottles are gradually introduced in 22 markets worldwide

By the end of the year, Pepsi bottles will be made of 100 percent rPET, excluding caps and labels, in 10 European markets. In 2021 and 2022, PepsiCo launched 100%rPET beverages in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Argentina. Overall, Pepsi is gradually converting some brands to 100%rPET bottles in 22 markets around the world.

PepsiCo is increasing the use of its 100%rPET bottles in several markets around the world. (Photo credit: Shutterstock)

In the US, Pepsi's premium bottled water brand LIFEWTR is already sold in 100%rPET bottles, and Pepsi Zero Sugar products will also be sold in 100%rPET bottles by the end of 2022. The report noted that the company plans to convert all of its PepSI-branded products in the U.S. to rPET bottles by 2030.

"While packaging is an important part of our business, making PepsiCo products more convenient, affordable, and easy to distribute, we are also concerned about the impact of packaging waste," the report said. Our broad strategy includes reducing the amount of plastic we use, driving recycling and using recycled materials, redesigning our packaging, using new renewable materials, or pushing plastic-reducing packaging or plastic-free packaging forms."

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Challenges with existing technology and regulatory constraints

Overall, 87 percent of Pepsi beverages in the EU are packaged in 100 percent recyclable or renewable plastic, and the goal is to have 100 percent of the packaging recyclable, compostable, biodegradable or reusable by 2025. Another goal is to reduce the use of raw plastic from non-renewable sources by 50 percent by 2030.

"We are exploring renewable, non-fossil fuel-based sources of packaging materials, such as packaging that is safe, efficient, and has a lower carbon footprint than petroleum-based plastic packaging," the Pepsi report said.

Since 2018, PepsiCo and the Pepsi Foundation have invested more than $100 million in recycling globally, Including a $15 million Closed Loop Partners' Leadership Fund and a $35 million Closed Loop Local Recycling Fund Fund to create small, modular Recycling systems in U.S. communities.

"Achieving these ambitious goals will require investment and innovation," the report said. "We face challenges from existing technology and regulatory constraints, but our commitment to continue toward these goals is unwavering."