USA – American-based multinational food and beverage company PepsiCo has made a pledge to become “net water positive” by 2030.
To achieve this goal, the maker of Pepsi and Mountain Dew soda brands aims to replenish more water than it uses in its operations.
PepsiCo says it will employ “best-in-class water-use efficiency standards” covering more than 1,000 company-owned and third-party facilities.
It is hoped the program will enable the company to reduce water usage by 11 billion liters per year – a 50% reduction in the water currently at PepsiCo’s sites.
PepsiCo also hopes to adopt the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard in all high-water risk areas where it operated by 2025.
“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, but clean water around the world is also one of the most pressing issues facing our global community today,” said Jim Andrew, chief sustainability officer at PepsiCo.
He added: “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 new commitment will see the beverage giant placed among the most water-efficient food and beverage industry manufacturers that operate in high-risk watersheds.
The PepsiCo Foundation is also launching a $1 million programme with NGO and long-term partner WaterAid in a bid to bring safe water to families in sub-Sarahan Africa.
The Foundation’s investment will help improve water infrastructure, build new water supply systems and sanitation facilities, and promote hygiene education.
“It will also empower women and girls to become water, sanitation and hygiene stewards in their communities by providing them with the funding and training to maintain water access points and sanitation facilities for years to come,” a company statement said.
The company is also expanding its 15-year US$53 million+ safe water project that reaches over 20 countries and has supported over 59 million people since 2006.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
