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PepsiCo modifies sustainability targets to bolster long-term business strategy

Photo: Jammy Jean - stock.adobe.com

May 23, 2025

PepsiCo has refined its pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) sustainability goals covering climate, packaging, agriculture and water, according to a press release.

The company said the adjustments are intended to align resources more effectively with core business priorities, integrate lessons from nearly four years of its pep+ strategy and maintain a practical and attainable approach to its sustainability objectives.

Significant revisions include an expanded regenerative agriculture ambition, now aiming for 10 million acres by 2030, an increase from the prior 7 million-acre target. This builds upon the 3.5 million acres already transitioned by the close of 2024. The corporation also updated its climate objectives, bringing its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions targets into line with a 1.5°C pathway and adjusting its net-zero emissions aim to 2050, consistent with Science Based Target Initiative sectoral guidance.

Packaging initiatives will now concentrate on achieving scale in pivotal markets, with an ongoing emphasis on diminishing virgin plastic use and enhancing packaging design. While its specific reuse target is being phased out, PepsiCo will persist in efforts to make packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable. The company will uphold its 2030 net water positive commitment, with a sharpened focus on high-risk regions, following the early achievement of previous water-use efficiency milestones. PepsiCo's "Positive Choices" goals, concerning product composition such as lowering saturated fat, sugar and sodium, are unaltered.

The corporation attributed these modifications to evolving external conditions, business expansion and a pragmatic response to challenges like infrastructure constraints.

"As circumstances evolve, PepsiCo continually adapts how we source ingredients; make, move and sell our products; and inspire people through our brands," Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo chairman and chief executive officer, said in the release. "This journey is underpinned by pep+, which is an investment in building a stronger and more resilient business — today and in the future — and guides our actions to help create a more resilient, more sustainable food system. Our goals must evolve with us to keep our ambition and to deliver on our long-term vision."