Will PepsiCo’s Electric Ovens Cut Production Emissions?
Crisps carry a carbon footprint of 2.88 kg CO₂ per kg, according to Carbon Cloud’s findings, mainly from agriculture and manufacturing processes.
PepsiCo aims to lower these emissions with various decarbonisation strategies.
The food and drink leader is investing US$77m into its UK site in Leicester to incorporate three sustainable electric ovens for crisp production.
Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo said on Linkedin: “What’s the hottest thing going this summer? At our Leicester, UK facility, it’s our new sustainable electric ovens.
“Some of our local fan favourites like Cheetos, Wotsits and Monster Munch are now cooked in ovens powered by 100% renewable electricity, thanks to the completion of a £58m investment in our Leicester site.
“With two new electric ovens and a third converted from gas to electric, we’re set to cut the site’s greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 tonnes a year.
“It’s all part of our global pep+ goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, strengthening the resiliency of our business in the near and long-term while honing our focus on where we believe we can have the most positive impact.”
PepsiCo’s renewable energy initiative
The investment supports the installation of three electric ovens, allowing crisps such as Wotsits, Monster Munch, Frazzles, Chipsticks and Cheetos to now be manufactured using 100% renewable energy.
PepsiCo reveals that this transition to electric ovens helps decrease greenhouse emissions by 1,500 tonnes each year.
Furthermore, by shifting production to Leicester, there is a cut in transport-related emissions in the UK by an estimated 915 tonnes annually.
Richard Clarke, Manufacturing Director at PepsiCo UK and Ireland, adds: “It’s fantastic to see the impact of our investment in each and every batch of delicious snacks made using our new electric ovens.
“With a brand-new production line, better facilities for our teams and now these more sustainable ovens, we’ve been able to transform our home in Leicester and secure its future growth.
“We’re incredibly proud of all the work that goes into making our iconic snacks right in the heart of the UK, and even more so now we’re doing it in a more sustainable way.”
Reduction strategy for Scope 1 and 2 emissions
PepsiCo sets a target to cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, aspiring for a reduction of 90% by 2050.
In 2022, Scope 1 and 2 contributions accounted for 8% of the company's carbon footprint, aiming to slash this by:
- Enhancing energy efficiency through its resource conservation programme, aiming to reduce waste in manufacturing and warehouse operations by identifying chances to reduce fuel and electricity use, adopting energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems and instigating behavioural improvements through training
- Installing renewable electricity assets
- Utilising renewable fuels such as biomass, biogas and biofuels, as well as the electrification of equipment such as boilers and heat pumps
PepsiCo amplifies brand electrification
PepsiCo is also testing an electrification scheme, which includes electric ovens in Leicester.
In Belgium, the company trials heat pump technology, conducts research on efforts to decarbonise the toasting process and replaces gas pipes with electric ones powered by solar farms in Poland.
They allocate US$272m to decarbonisation projects expected to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 125,000 metric tons annually.
Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo CEO said: "Every day, PepsiCo is sourcing ingredients, making products and creating smiles all over the world.
“As we think about the potential impacts of climate change on suppliers, customers and consumers in our value chain, we believe strategic action can help build a more sustainable, positive future for us all."
