PepsiCo Australia has announced it has successfully switched to using 100 per cent renewable electricity across the entirety of its operations.
The move will see PepsiCo’s carbon emissions reduced by around 26,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and comes well ahead of the company’s target to only use renewable electricity by 2030.
Danny Celoni, CEO of PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand, said climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the global food system and the company is committed to working across its value chain to reduce emissions.
“The move to renewable electricity is positive for our business and for the local economy. We are pleased to support sustainable initiatives that create local jobs and proud to partner with IBA and Bookitja through the Northam Solar Farm, which aims to provide a sustainable economic base for future generations of Whadjuk people.”
PepsiCo has partnered with renewable energy company Engie and the Northam Solar Farm to access Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that support a range of wind and solar farms across the country and which represent the first large-scale PPA for the Northam Solar Farm.
PepsiCo is a member of Re100, a global renewable energy initiative led by The Climate Group and CDP, with an aim of bringing together large businesses with a shared commitment to renewable energy.
Jon Dee, Re100 Australia Coordinator, said that research shows that Australians want real action on climate change.
“On that front, PepsiCo are delivering what the public want. Every time Australians eat PepsiCo products, those products will have been made using 100 per cent renewable electricity. That’s the kind of result that people want to see.
“Companies that join Re100 pledge to go 100 per cent renewable with their electricity use by a set date. Here in Australia, PepsiCo is one of 110 major companies that have joined Re100. By successfully completing their transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity, PepsiCo has demonstrated a high level of commitment to sustainability and it’s set a positive example for other companies to follow.”
PepsiCo is working towards its goal of net zero emissions by 2040, by moving away from fossil fuels, investigating initiatives such as converting organic waste into bio-methane, converting its fleet to EV or hydrogen, and decarbonising its snack manufacturing processes.