PepsiCo agrees sustainable packaging supply deal with Loop

PepsiCo has signed a multi-year supply agreement with sustainable packaging producer Loop Industries, and PepsiCo says it will begin incorporating Loop’s plastic into its product packaging by early 2020.

Loop’s PET plastic is made from 100% recycled materials, and the company’s technology allows it to convert no- and low-value plastics into virgin-quality PET plastic, allowing plastic bottles and packaging of any colour, transparency or condition to be converted into food grade packaging which meets FDA requirements.

The supply agreement will enable PepsiCo to purchase sustainable packaging from Loop’s joint venture facility in the US, and the deal will also include a marketing and communications plan which will aim to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and the circular economy.

PepsiCo identified Loop’s plastic solution as it seeks to expand the amount of recycled content in its product packaging, in order to meet its sustainability ambitions and satisfy the growing consumer demand for more sustainable packaging options.

Mehmood Khan, vice-chairman and chief scientific officer at PepsiCo said: “Loop’s technology enables PepsiCo to be a leading force in ensuring plastic packaging need never become waste.

“This partnership represents a step-change that will empower PepsiCo in our drive towards creating a circular economy for plastics.”

Daniel Solomita, founder and CEO of Loop Industries added: “We are very proud to supply PepsiCo with Loop™ branded PET plastic.

“Working with a global food and beverage giant like PepsiCo will further establish the value proposition of the Loop brand and mission – to accelerate the world’s shift toward sustainable plastic and away from the traditional, take, make and dispose economy.”

This agreement comes a month after PepsiCo pledged that it would attempt to triple the amount of recycled content in its plastic bottles used throughout the EU by 2030.

The company also joined Nestlé and Danone’s NaturALL Bottle Alliance last month, which aims to accelerate the development of 100% renewable and sustainable bottles.