PepsiCo India to Set Up PET Bottle Recycling Plant in Delhi

One of the world’s most recognized producers of beverages and snack foods, Pepsico India, the company’s Indian entity, announced earlier today that it plans to establish a recycling plant for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles in the country’s capital city. The company announced that it would partner with others to set up a viable system of recycling as part of its commitment to reduce its impact on the environment. A statement issued by the company read, “The company has partnered with Gem Enviro Management to set up infrastructure for collection and recycling of used PET plastic bottles in Delhi, in line with the plastic waste management rules.”

Pepsico has developed its “Performance with Purpose 2025” goal as part of its drive to reduce the company’s footprint on the globe, trying to undertake a more active role in recycling plastic bottles and also developing biodegradable packaging for its snacks. In terms of packaging innovation, the company has announced that it will be piloting a 100% plant-based, compostable packaging for Lay’s and Kurkure in India, later this year. This is expected to be the first ever packaging of this kind in the country and the world.

Ahmed ElSheikh,  PepsiCo India President and CEO said with reference to this announcement, “As a responsible leader in the food and beverage industry, we are continually working to reduce the impact of our packaging on the environment and increase recycling of plastic waste. To this end, we have partnered with Gem Enviro to set up Reverse Vending Machines, collection points and collection centres for used PET bottles at several locations across the city. The programme will also provide training to waste pickers and ensure effective recycling of the used PET collected.