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PepsiCo UK & Ireland - which also acts as the parent company of brands such as Tropicana and Walkers - has published its first ever Environmental Sustainability Report, available in full on its website (www.pepsico.co.uk/environment).  This report has been produced by the company in an effort to show their attempts at sustainability - as it stands right now, and how things will change over the next few years.

In terms of current activity, the report focusses on key issues - and ones which are currently newsworthy.  It describes the measures put in place by PepsiCo UK & Ireland in reducing their carbon footprint, minimising the use/wastage of water, and reducing the depletion of natural resources.  PepsiCo has long held a policy of caring for the environment as much as possible, insofar as a global FMCG brand can; this report draws attention to less evident environmental costs, like the damage a global supply chain can contribute to, and seeks to reassure its readers that these concerns are being addressed.

As well as solutions, the report contains accounts of the difficulties faced by PepsiCo in their endeavours, and feedback from stakeholders.

Among the pledges that PepsiCo have made within the document, there are five actions which constitute a long-term plan, to be put into action over the next 10 to 15 years.

They vow to use only renewable energy in the manufacturing and distributing process in the next 15 years; the vehicles used in UK distribution will all be replaced by low-emission models within 10 years; landfill waste will be eliminated in the same time period.  All packaging in the Walkers and Quaker arms of their business will also be replaced by reusable, recyclable or biodegradable alternatives within the next decade.

Corporations of all scales are focussing on their supply chains, and the environmental impact of each; in stating their intentions alongside the reactions of their stakeholders, Pepsi are trying to forge a relationship between sustainable ideals and day-to-day business practices.  The report was overseen in part by Deloitte and Forum for the Future.