PepsiCo plans packaging changes for Bubly, Aquafina and Lifewtr

PepsiCo has announced a series of packaging changes for its Bubly, Aquafina and Lifewtr brands as it looks to reduce its use of virgin plastic. 

As of next year, Lifewtr water will be packaged in 100% rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) and Bubly sparkling water will no longer be packaged in plastic.

The company’s Aquafina water brand will also offer aluminium can packaging in US foodservice outlets, while the brand tests the move in retail.

 According to PepsiCo, the changes are expected to eliminate more than 8,000 metric tons of virgin plastic and approximately 11,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are really excited to evolve our packaging across PepsiCo’s water portfolio to make a positive impact,” said Stacy Taffet, vice president water portfolio for PepsiCo. “We created Lifewtr to be an inspirational and purpose-driven brand, and we’re expanding that vision by using recycled packaging to deliver our premium water. 

“At the same time, Bubly, our sparkling water brand that is full of flavour and personality, has already shaken up the sparkling water category and will continue to do so with this bold move.”

The changes support PepsiCo’s ambition of making 100% of its packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable and using 25% recycled plastic content in all its plastic packaging by 2025.

“Tackling plastic waste is one of my top priorities and I take this challenge personally,” said PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta. “As one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, we recognise the significant role PepsiCo can play in helping to change the way society makes, uses, and disposes of plastics. 

“We are doing our part to address the issue head on by reducing, recycling and reinventing our packaging to make it more sustainable, and we won’t stop until we live in a world where plastics are renewed and reused.”

Last year, PepsiCo announced plans to triple the content of recycled plastic in its bottles across the European Union by 2030, aiming to achieve 50% recycled plastic (rPET) content in its bottles.