PepsiCo Water Conservation in the US and UK

PepsiCo has faced scrutiny regarding its water usage, particularly in regions experiencing water shortages, such as the United States. In response to concerns about its production facilities being among the largest water users in drought-affected cities like Atlanta, the company implemented various water conservation strategies. These included forming partnerships with organizations like the Earth Institute and Water.org to enhance water efficiency. A notable initiative was the introduction of a cleaning process for Gatorade bottles that utilized purified air instead of water, significantly reducing water consumption in production processes. This shift not only addressed immediate water usage concerns but also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices in the face of environmental challenges. In the United Kingdom, PepsiCo's Walkers brand also took proactive measures to reduce water usage at its primary potato chip facility. Between 2001 and 2008, the facility achieved a 45 percent reduction in water consumption by employing machinery that captured and utilized the water naturally present in potatoes. This innovative approach allowed the factory to minimize reliance on external water sources, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Overall, these water conservation efforts led to a global savings of over 12 billion liters of water in 2009 compared to 2006, showcasing the impact of strategic initiatives aimed at improving water efficiency across PepsiCo's operations.