PepsiCo has pledged to go net water positive as part of its ongoing partnership with WaterAid.
The company has revealed its plans to reduce its absolute water use and deliver back to the watershed more than 100 per cent of the water it uses in operations based in high-water-risk locations.
The global producer intends to implement new water efficiency standards to more than 1000 of its operational sites.
According to the brand, the new measures will result in the company saving over 11 billion litres of water per year in its manufacturing process amounting to a 50 per cent reduction.
The company is also set to launch a $1 million programme with WaterAid to assist families in Sub-Saharan Africa by enabling access to clean water in the region.
The scheme builds on the partnership’s existing 15-year investment in safe water, which has reached over 20 countries and has assisted 59 million people since 2006.
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The producer also said that it will be adopting the Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard in its high-water risk operational sites by 2025.
It intends to deliver safe water access to 100 million people by 2030 as part of its “Net Water Positive” vision.
“Time is running out for the world to act on water”, PepsiCo sustainability officer Jim Andrew said.
“Water is not only a critical component of our food system, it is a fundamental human right – and the lack of safe, clean water around the world is one of the most pressing issues facing our global community today.
“We’re focused not only on making sure people around the world have access to this vital resource, but ensuring that we are also prioritising water stewardship in our operations everywhere.”
WaterAid America chief executive Kelly Parsons added: “The PepsiCo Foundation is a stalwart partner of WaterAid across three continents.
“We are proud to partner with The PepsiCo Foundation and are committed to doing all we can to support their goal of reaching 100 million people by 2030.
“Their aspiration helps us reach further and work harder on behalf of those in need.”
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