PepsiCo rolls out pilot for compostable packaging

PepsiCo India has rolled out a six-month long pilot programme to sell its snack products in compostable packaging amid mounting concerns over the impact of plastic on the environment. Popular variants of Lay’s and Kurkure snacks will be available in the new eco-friendly packaging at the Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 in Delhi, the company said.

The new packaging, developed by its research and development unit, is made from plant-based material and 100% compostable, the American company said. The packets can be disposed of with regular food waste and will take 12 weeks to decompose under industrial composting conditions, it said

“Through this pilot, we aim to influence and study consumer behaviour, as well as monitor the waste management channel in a controlled environment. This is a significant milestone for the FMCG industry, and the learnings from this pilot will help in shaping the next phase of the project, and also provide inputs to other markets in the PepsiCo system,” said Jagrut Kotecha, vice president-snacks category, PepsiCo India.

PepsicCo’s Lay’s chips, along with Nestle’s Maggi and Parle’s Frooti, were named in May among the top brands causing plastic pollution, as consumers were not disposing of empty packs efficiently in one of the country’s most-visited hill stations in Uttarakhand.

The company has also resized Lay’s and Kurkure packs as part of its efforts to reduce carbon footprint.

Source:- https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/pepsico-rolls-out-pilot-for-compostable-packaging/66732250