PepsiCo Europe looks to digital start-ups for sustainability solutions...

PepsiCo has announced that it is collaborating with six start-ups to boost supply chain sustainability.

Innovative sustainability solutions driven by PepsiCo Labs

The six start-ups have been identified through PepsiCo Labs, the technology venturing arm of PepsiCo. PepsiCo Labs exists to identify and collaborate with breakthrough start-up companies to drive business growth and efficiencies.

David Schwartz, VP, PepsiCo Labs, says: “PepsiCo Labs was launched to propel PepsiCo into the future. We aspire to lead in tech innovations by integrating start-up solutions at a global scale. It is a privilege to collaborate with six exciting, innovative start-ups, as they pilot ground-breaking technologies and develop new solutions that aim to solve the sustainability challenges the world faces. We hope that by working together we can accelerate the growth of these promising start-ups, whilst putting sustainability and innovation at the heart of our own business.”

Trials taking place across Europe

The six start-up technologies identified are described below. Note that, in addition to these, PepsiCo Labs plans to collaborate with more innovative start-ups throughout the year. Once the results of initial trials have been analysed, PepsiCo plans to scale successful technologies across the supply chain from 2023 onwards.

Efficiency and automation

Pulse Industrial and BrenPower monitors will be trialed in Turkey. These use an AI system to identify steam traps, reducing steam losses and improving efficiency in PepsiCo factories. The aim is that the technologies will reduce carbon emissions.

Sustainable cleaning and hygiene technology

Ozo Innovations will be trialed in Portugal. This technology uses electrochemical technology for smarter and safer hygiene in manufacturing facilities. Ozo’s “elocube” converts cold water and salt into a powerful cleaning and disinfecting solution through electrolysis. The aim of this technology is to reduce chemical, water and energy use.

Recycling

A patented conversion process from UBQ Materials will turn unsorted household waste (including all organics and unrecyclable plastics) into a bio-based thermoplastic with a climate-positive footprint. The new material will be trialed in Lay’s display stands throughout Turkey, promoting circularity.

Another innovation, from Security Matters, uses an invisible “marker” system to identify, track and sort packaging waste, which is logged onto a blockchain system.

Water recovery

Elateq will be trialed in Belgium. It offers electrochemical wastewater treatment to remove pathogens, organic and inorganic contaminants in water, using less energy. It is intended that this technology will reduce the carbon footprint from PepsiCo factories and promote a circular water system.

The sustainability solutions outlined here will support PepsiCo in meeting its commitment to achieve net zero by 2040.

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