PepsiCo to launch plant-based packaging – PepsiCo plant based packaging - Arhive

NEW DELHI: Rising concerns around plastic pollution have compelled FMCG companies to rethink their packaging solutions. Food and beverage major PepsiCo, for instance, announced it will launch the first-ever 100% compostable, plant-based packaging for Lay’s and Kurkure snacks products, this year.

“As a responsible leader in the food and beverage industry, our Performance with Purpose 2025 goal is to design all packaging to be recoverable or recyclable, and supports increased recycling of plastic waste,” said Ahmed ElSheikh, president & CEO at PepsiCo India. “India will be among the first countries to pilot this new, sustainable packaging solution developed by PepsiCo.”

Rival Coca-Cola, too, has launched plant-based bottles in some markets. “The origin of this plant-based packaging material lies in India,” a Coca-Cola India spokesperson said.

However, while the PlantBottle — a “fully recyclable PET plastic beverage bottle made partially from plants and which looks and functions just like traditional PET plastic bottle” — accounts for 30% of the company’s packaging volume in North America and 7% globally, it may be a while before it finds its way to Indian shores due to its high manufacturing costs.
Nestle, too, has aimed at 100% reusable and recyclable packaging by 2025. When asked whether the company is working on sustainable packaging for Maggi, a Nestle India spokesperson said, “Nestlé India shares the ambition that no plastic waste should end up discarded in the environment and believes that with the right approach it can be collected or recycled without a detrimental impact. We are committed to finding improved solutions to reduce, re-use and recycle. As a responsible company, we have initiated various projects on waste management by engaging with relevant stakeholders.”