PepsiCo has announced plans to collaborate with six start-up firms as it seeks to unlock sustainability solutions across its supply chain.
Through its PepsiCo Labs arm, the business selected the start-ups following what it said was a 'rigorous outreach programme', which sought to identify emerging technologies that would have a practical application across the soft drink giant's supply chain.
Start-up Solutions
This includes the introduction of Pulse Industrial and BrenPower monitors in Türkiye, which will use AI to reduce steam losses and improve efficiency, while in Portugal, the group will work with Ozo Innovations on harnessing 'advanced electrochemical technology' to improve its cleaning processes.
When it comes to recycling, the group will be working with UBQ Materials to transform unsorted household waste into a bio-based thermoplastic (which will be initially tested in Lay’s display stands in Türkiye), while it will also team up with Security Matters, which has developed an an invisible 'marker' system to track packaging waste.
Lastly, in Belgium, it will work with Elateq, which provides electrochemical wastewater treatment to remove pathogens, organic, and inorganic contaminants in water.
'Harnessing A Digital Future'
“At PepsiCo, we believe in the value of harnessing a digital future to accelerate positive change for our people and planet," commented Katharina Stenholm, chief sustainability officer at PepsiCo Europe.
"We recognise that we have a responsibility to use our resources efficiently and reduce our overall emissions, but we can’t do it alone. By embracing smart collaborations through PepsiCo Labs, we can unlock breakthrough solutions, and play our part in scaling technology innovations. It’s part of our commitment to solving sustainability challenges across our supply chain, and progressing PepsiCo Positive.”
PepsiCo Positive, or 'pep+', seeks to put sustainability at the heart of the group's business, and includes its target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 75% by 2030, a goal which is very much 'on track', the firm said recently.
To date, PepsiCo Labs has scaled more than 30 start-ups across over 200 countries.
Read More: PepsiCo Closes New $1.25bn Green Bond
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