Global beverage brand PepsiCo has unveiled an ambitious new goal to cut carbon emissions by more than 40% by 2030 (against a 2015 baseline) — more than doubling the previous climate objective.
This is expected to result in the reduction of over 26 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions — the equivalent of taking five million-plus cars off the road for a full year.
The company’s goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, one full decade earlier than called for in the Paris Agreement.
“The severe impacts from climate change are worsening, and we must accelerate the urgent systemic changes needed to address it. There is simply no other option but immediate and aggressive action. Climate action is core to our business as a global food and beverage leader, and propels our PepsiCo Positive journey to deliver positive outcomes for the planet and people.”
Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo Chairman/CEO
Agriculture
PepsiCo’s strategy targets the company’s biggest opportunities for impact, starting with farming.
In Illinois, farmers are already working with the company to use cover crops to improve soil health and limit the need for fertilizer, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and captures carbon in the soil.
Through the company’s network of Demonstration Farms in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, India and Vietnam, sustainability programs have increased potato yields while lowering carbon emissions.
Building on programs such as these also has the benefits of better yields, improved soil health, decreased deforestation and increased productivity for farmers.
Transition
In 2020, PepsiCo achieved its goal to source 100% renewable electricity for its operations in the U.S. More than 400 solar panels help power the Quaker plant in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Installation of a single windmill at the Tropicana plant in Zeebrugge, Belgium will generate approximately 40% of that site’s total electricity consumption.
Wind projects in Texas and Nebraska break ground this year, and by the end of 2021, 15 countries in PepsiCo’s direct operations will be fully sourcing renewable electricity.
Therefore, more than 60% of all of the company’s direct global electricity needs will be met through renewable sources.
