Beverage and snacking giant PepsiCo has announced that it has entered into a multi-year supply agreement with Loop Industries to source PET plastic that is made of 100% recyclable materials.
The supply agreement will enable the cola maker to purchase production capacity from Loop’s joint venture facility in the United States, and incorporate Loop’s 100% sustainable PET plastic into its product packaging by early 2020.
"Circular Economy"
“Loop’s technology enables PepsiCo to be a leading force in ensuring plastic packaging need never become waste,” said Dr. Mehmood Khan, vice-chairman and chief scientific officer, PepsiCo.
“This partnership represents a step-change that will empower PepsiCo in our drive towards creating a circular economy for plastics.”
The Technology
The technology developed by Loop Industries allows the recycling of no and low-value plastics into new, virgin-quality PET plastic.
This technology converts plastic bottles and packaging of any colour, transparency or condition into food-grade packaging that meets FDA requirements.
It is also effective in the case of carpets, clothing and other polyester textiles that may contain colours, dyes or additives, and even ocean plastics that have been degraded by sun and salt.
Challenge Of Plastic Waste
PepsiCo is one of the largest purchasers of recycled PET plastic in the consumer goods space, and this partnership aligns with its commitment to adopt different and creative approaches to the challenges of plastics and waste, the company said.
However, in a recent report by environmental group Greenpeace, the cola manufacturer emerged as one of the world’s biggest producers of plastic trash along with Coca-Cola and Nestlé.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
