Key Takeaways
- PepsiCo has revised its climate, water, agriculture, and packaging goals as part of its ongoing PepsiCo Positive (pep+) strategy.
- The company has increased its regenerative agriculture target to 10 million acres by 2030, up from 7 million.
- PepsiCo’s updated climate plan aligns with a 1.5°C trajectory and aims for net zero emissions by 2050.
- Packaging targets have been adjusted to focus on key markets and material efficiency, reflecting external infrastructure challenges.
- Water goals remain focused on high-risk areas, with the company maintaining its net water positive by 2030 objective.
PepsiCo Refines pep+ Sustainability Goals Across Key Impact Areas
PepsiCo has announced updated goals under its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) strategy, refining its focus across agriculture, climate, water, and packaging. The revisions are based on progress made since the strategy’s launch in 2021, as well as evolving scientific guidance and operational learnings.
The company stated that the new goals reflect a combination of ambition and pragmatism, accounting for both internal progress and external constraints such as infrastructure readiness and policy variability.
Regenerative Agriculture Target Expanded to 10 Million Acres
Under its revised agriculture strategy, PepsiCo will expand its regenerative agriculture goal to cover 10 million acres globally by 2030. This target includes not only the adoption of restorative practices but also new objectives related to biodiversity and watershed health.
As of 2024, the company reports that regenerative practices have been implemented on approximately 3.5 million acres, with continued expansion planned.
Net Zero Emissions Target Shifted to 2050
PepsiCo’s Climate Transition Plan has updated the company’s targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, now fully aligned to a 1.5°C scenario under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The previous Scope 3 target was aligned to a “well below 2°C” pathway.
The revised plan now aims for net zero emissions by 2050, a change from PepsiCo’s earlier 2040 goal. The update incorporates guidance from the SBTi’s sector-specific frameworks for Forests, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) and Energy and Industry (E&I) emissions.
PepsiCo’s Packaging Strategy Refocused on Key Markets
PepsiCo is shifting its packaging goals to prioritize markets where change is currently most viable. The company will continue to work on reducing virgin plastic use and improving packaging design but will sunset its previous reuse target, citing regulatory and infrastructure limitations.
PepsiCo noted examples such as delayed regulatory approvals for rPET in India and China as challenges impacting global packaging performance.
Water Stewardship Goals Updated Following Early Milestone Achievements
After achieving its 25% operational water-use efficiency goal in high-risk watersheds and exceeding its 15% agricultural water-use efficiency target two years ahead of schedule, PepsiCo is refining its water strategy. The company will maintain its goal to become net water positive by 2030, while placing increased focus on high-risk water basins.
PepsiCo Statements Emphasize Adaptation and Long-Term Planning
PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta commented: “Our goals must evolve with us to keep our ambition and to deliver on our long-term vision.”
Jim Andrew, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, added: “Our sustainability journey will not always be linear, but we are focused on doing the work that can both strengthen our business resilience and support a positive impact for the planet.”
PepsiCo indicated it would continue to monitor performance and adapt based on science, stakeholder engagement, and changing global conditions across its operations.
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