Friday 20 August 2021

PepsiCo commits to becoming ‘net water positive’ by 2030

PepsiCo has announced its commitment to become a “net water positive” company by 2030, aiming to replenish more water than what it uses.

It will reduce absolute water use and replenish more than 100% of the water used at company-owned and third-party sites in high water risk areas.

Reduction efficiencies will be met through the adoption of “operational best-in-class or world-class” water use efficiency standards, covering more than 1,000 company-owned and third-party facilities, with nearly half located in high risk watersheds.

Raising the efficiency standard at its sites in high risk watersheds alone is expected to help PepsiCo avoid using more than 11 billion litres of water a year – a 50% reduction in the amount of water the company uses at these sites.

It also aims to adopt the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard in all high water risk areas where it operates by 2025.

Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo said: “Time is running out for the world to act on water. Water is not only a critical component of our food system, it is a fundamental human right – and the lack of safe, clean water around the world is one of the most pressing issues facing our global community today.

“Water scarcity is directly linked to the climate crisis and at PepsiCo we believe a global effort to be 'net water positive' is essential. We're focused not only on making sure people around the world have access to this vital resource but ensuring that we are also prioritising water stewardship in our operations everywhere.”

The PepsiCo Foundation is launching a new $1 million (£0.7m) programme with long term partner WaterAid to bring safe water to families in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This expands its 15-year, more than $53 million (£38.5m) safe water access initiative that reaches more than 20 countries and has helped more than 59 people since 2006.