PepsiCo has set a target to achieve 50% recycled plastic (rPET) in its bottles by 2030 across the European Union, with an interim target of 45% by 2025.
The US food & beverage company announced 5 Sept that the target would “more triple” the amount of recycled plastic it currently uses to over 50,000 tonnes within the next 13 years.
The announcement comes in support of the European Commission's voluntary recycled plastics pledging campaign which aims to increase the amount of recycled plastics in new products in the region.
PepsiCo said the target covers “all countries expected to be members of the EU in 2025”, meaning the UK will not be included.
The company, will however, pursue sustainable packaging options in the UK through its participation in the UK Plastic Pact, with targets sustainability through to 2025.
The European goal will apply across PepsiCo's Beverage operations, including company-owned and franchise.
The move builds on PepsiCo's broader ‘performance with purpose' vision, which includes a goal to design 100% of its packaging to be recyclable, compostable or biodegradable by 2025.
The company estimates that currently 90% of its beverage packaging worldwide is fully recyclable.
PepsiCo used approximately 13% rPET in its EU beverage operations in 2017.