PepsiCo’s Potato Trucks To Be Fueled by Cooking Oil
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, PepsiCo, the renowned snack manufacturer, has announced its latest and eco-forward initiative to power its potato trucks transporting potatoes from British farms to its home in Leicester.
The company aims to reduce a staggering 2,650 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually by utilising used cooking oil as fuel for their transport fleet. This significant step is set to cover approximately 2.6 million kilometres of truck journeys, saving the environment by using approximately 800,000 litres of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel.
The brainchild of PepsiCo’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint comes from the partnership between PepsiCo and AB Texel UK, which marks a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable transportation. Henceforth, the transport of 240,000 tonnes of potatoes each year will be entirely powered by this eco-friendly alternative, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for the planet.
Furthermore, this achievement comes on the heels of PepsiCo’s successful introduction of HVO fuel in 2022 for over 1.5 million kilometres of truck journeys between their Quaker Oats mill in Cupar and their Leicester distribution centre. The positive results from this initial foray into HVO fuel paved the way for PepsiCo to double down on this innovative approach for their potato deliveries, proving the efficacy of sustainable transportation in the fast-paced world of logistics.
Embracing this sustainable path further, PepsiCo plans to extend the use of HVO fuel to its transport operations in Scotland later this year. The anticipated expansion is projected to cut an additional 5,000 tonnes of GHG emissions annually, making significant strides towards their ambitious sustainability goals.
What’s more, as one of the leaders in the food and beverage industry, PepsiCo’s continued commitment to embracing eco-friendly alternatives sets a new benchmark for sustainable logistics practices.
With its eyes firmly on a greener future, the company also expects to power up to an impressive nine million kilometres of journeys across the United Kingdom using HVO by the end of 2023. This audacious plan to incorporate HVO fuel across a vast expanse of truck journeys is just another way to showcase PepsiCo’s dedication to environmental stewardship and the determination to lead the way in sustainable transportation solutions.
Speaking on behalf of PepsiCo UK & Ireland, the sustainability director, in an exclusive interview, emphasised their constant pursuit of innovative approaches to reduce their carbon footprint. The shift to HVO for all potato deliveries to Leicester, the heart of Walkers, a beloved brand under the PepsiCo umbrella, marks a significant stride towards sustainability and sets an inspiring precedent for other companies in the food industry to follow suit.
Importantly, it should be noted that HVO fuel plays a vital role in hastening the decarbonisation of PepsiCo’s transport activities, making the company one of the frontrunners in greening their supply chain. The use of HVO not only significantly reduces GHG emissions but also minimises the environmental impact of truck transportation.
More notably, this switch to cooking oil-based fuel comes as part of a series of lower-emissions logistics initiatives undertaken by PepsiCo. The company recently deployed two electric trucks to transport products between their factories in Leicester and Coventry. Moreover, electric yard vehicles now efficiently transport pallets around the Leicester site, further cementing their commitment to eco-friendly practices and further enhancing operational efficiency.
In addition to their investment in sustainable transport, PepsiCo has shown dedication to greening their production processes after announcing a £58 million investment in their Leicester production site, which led to the creation of a new snacks manufacturing line and the upgrade of existing facilities.
Furthermore, innovations such as converting gas-fired ovens to electric ones have effectively slashed 1,000 tonnes of GHG emissions annually, contributing even more to their environmental goals and setting a high standard for sustainable manufacturing practices.
In conclusion, PepsiCo’s decision to fuel its potato trucks with used cooking oil represents a milestone in their journey towards a more sustainable future. By embracing HVO as an alternative to diesel, the company is making substantial strides in reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change.
Through their relentless pursuit of greener practices, PepsiCo continues to inspire the industry and sets an example for businesses worldwide to follow suit, paving the way for a cleaner, brighter tomorrow.
As they set their sights on powering nine million kilometres of journeys across the UK by the end of 2023, PepsiCo stands as a shining beacon of corporate responsibility and environmental consciousness, championing a future where sustainability and success go hand in hand.
News Credits: PepsiCo powers British potato fleet with used vegetable oil
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