PepsiCo delays net-zero emissions goal to 2050, revises sustainability targets amid external challenges 

USA – PepsiCo has announced a revision to its climate strategy, delaying its net-zero emissions target by a decade amid what it described as “external realities.”  

The global food and beverage group now aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, compared to its previous goal of reaching the milestone by 2040, using a 2015 baseline. 

The company cited systemic barriers, such as lagging infrastructure and expanding business operations, as reasons for adjusting the timeline.  

In a statement, PepsiCo emphasized it was “strengthening the resilience of its business” and refining its focus to areas where it believes it can have the greatest positive impact. 

Despite the extended timeline, PepsiCo said it is maintaining ambition in its sustainability efforts, especially in regenerative agriculture. The company has set a more aggressive target in this area, aligning with evolving scientific guidance and the dynamic nature of global environmental conditions. 

Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo, noted the importance of transparency: “We know it’s important that we continue to be transparent about our progress—both our successes and the challenges—and the dynamic realities that our company and the broader industry face today.” 

The revised roadmap includes adjusted Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions goals, which now reflect sector-specific guidance from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).  

PepsiCo aims to cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, using 2022 as the new baseline. Previously, the company was targeting a 75% reduction by 2030 against a 2015 baseline. 

For Scope 3 emissions, PepsiCo has introduced two distinct categories following SBTi protocols: Energy and Industry (E&I) and Forests, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG).  

The company is targeting a 42% reduction in E&I emissions and a 30% reduction in FLAG emissions by 2030, both measured from 2022. These targets replace earlier goals that used a 2015 baseline. 

On packaging, PepsiCo made further adjustments, pulling back from its previous commitment to deliver 20% of beverage servings through reusable models by 2030. Instead, the company is focusing on a broader target for packaging design. It aims to ensure 97% of its primary and secondary packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable (RRC) by 2030 in key markets. 

Additionally, PepsiCo is targeting an average annual 2% reduction in virgin plastic use through 2030. The company had earlier committed to a 20% reduction by 2030 from non-renewable sources. It has also updated its recycled content goal, now aiming for a 40% reduction by 2035 or sooner, down from a 50% target by 2030. 

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