PepsiCo, Pilgrim’s Pride release 2020 sustainability reports showing great progress towards carbon zero

USA – Food and Beverage major PepsiCo and meat processing giant Pilgrim’s Pride have released their 2020 sustainability detailing the progress made thus far in efforts towards net positive environmental impact. 

In its report, PepsiCo said that it managed to sustainably source 100% of its direct commodities in 28 countries, with nearly 87% of direct commodities sustainably sourced globally as of 2020. 

That same year, PepsiCo also reports having been able to reduce absolute GHG emissions across its value chain by 5% versus a 2015 baseline while at the same time improving its operational water-use efficiency by 15% in high water-risk areas. 

Despite the pandemic, the maker of Pepsi and Mountain Dew continued its efforts to help build a world where packaging never becomes waste, offering products made from 100% rPET in 22 markets worldwide. 

Additionally, working with The PepsiCo Foundation the company notes it was able to invest more than US$71 million globally in COVID-19 relief and provide over 145 million meals to those impacted by the pandemic. 

The company further noted that during the pandemic-punctuated year, it was able to launch a new Positive Agriculture ambition that aims to spread regenerative practices across 7 million acres. 

The ambition also includes commitment to improve the livelihoods of more than 250,000 people in its agricultural supply chain, and sustainably source 100% of its key ingredients, including key crops from third parties, by 2030. 

“2020 was a year of challenges and a year of change,” said Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo.  

“I’m proud that PepsiCo rose to the challenge in 2020, and there’s no slowing down PepsiCo’s ambition to drive a positive impact on our planet and the communities we serve.” 

Pilgrim’s pride sustainability achievements 

PepsiCo’s peer, Pilgrims Pride was also able to make tremendous strides on the sustainability front, surpassing its 2015 U.S. goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission intensity by 14% by 2020. 

The company notes that during 2020 it was also able to reduce global greenhouse gas emission intensity from 2019-2020 by 7% while maintaining its commitment of zero waste to landfill at Moy Park.  

Additionally, Pilgrim’s Pride says it launched the Hometown Strong program in the U.S., investing US$20 million in local community projects to strengthen infrastructure, alleviate food insecurity, support COVID-19 recovery and increase overall well-being. 

It also established a £1 million Community Support Fund at Pilgrim’s Moy Park aimed at supporting and enriching the lives of those in need across its local communities in the UK and Europe. 

After a successful 2020, Pilgrim’s Pride has committed to even more ambitious sustainability goals including plans to reduce scope 1+2 GHG emission intensity by 30% by 2030. 

The company further plans to reduce water use intensity by 15% by 2030 and achieve a 30% improvement in the Pilgrim’s Global Safety Index by 2030. 

To further bolster sustainability in the sector, the company wants to develop a globally aligned Animal Welfare scorecard and create a globally aligned Food Safety Quality Assurance/Product Integrity scorecard.  

Pilgrim’s Pride has also committed to reduce emissions in Pilgrim’s-owned facilities and in research on regenerative farming practices as part of a goal to achieve its parent company’s Net Zero 2040 commitment. 

“While we are proud of the work we have accomplished thus far, we embrace the opportunity to continue to push our company forward,” Sandri said.  

“We have established strong commitments, and our team is excited to take the next steps on our sustainability journey.” 

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