How PepsiCo is Reducing Manufacturing Emissions
In the UK, snacks like Cheetos, Monster Munch, Wotsits and Frazzles are now cooked using 100% renewable electricity at a factory found in Leicester.
This comes as part of a wider shift by PepsiCo to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its manufacturing process.
At its Leicester facility, the company has installed three electric ovens—two new and one converted from gas. These changes are set to lower emissions by 1,500 tonnes each year.
The ovens form part of a £58m (US$77.1m) investment in the site. As well as supporting carbon reduction, this spending has increased production capacity and upgraded the working environment for staff.
The Leicester facility is a central part of PepsiCo’s UK operations and home to nearly 1,200 employees.
Richard Clarke, Manufacturing Director at PepsiCo UK and Ireland, says: “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.”
Sustainable investment across UK operations
Beyond ovens, PepsiCo has relocated production of Wotsits Giants, Monster Munch Giants and heritage Smiths brands to Leicester, helping to cut transport-related emissions across its supply chain in the UK.
The Leicester site is not the only facility receiving attention.
In Coventry, PepsiCo has invested £13m (US$17.2m) into upgrading its Doritos production line. This site is the largest tortilla chip factory in Europe, employing around 700 people.
New equipment installed in 2024 has cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 700 tonnes each year.
Meanwhile, in Bragg, investment has gone into new fryers for Pipers Crisps. These fryers are designed to be more energy-efficient and contribute further to PepsiCo’s carbon reduction goals.
These recent upgrades form part of a broader sustainability effort tied to the company’s global strategy.
PepsiCo is also focusing on improving the working conditions and operational capabilities at each site.
For example, in Leicester, the wider investment has provided a new production line and better facilities for staff, with a focus on long-term growth and sustainability.
pep+ strategy focuses on net zero by 2040
PepsiCo’s wider approach to sustainability is led by its strategy called PepsiCo Positive (pep+). This strategy aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and is built around three areas: Positive Agriculture, Positive Value Chain and Positive Choices.
Positive Agriculture involves sourcing crops and ingredients in ways that help restore the environment and support farming communities.
Positive Value Chain refers to creating a supply chain that is both inclusive and circular — where waste is reused and the process benefits all involved. Positive Choices is about encouraging customers to make decisions that support personal and environmental health.
Ramon Laguarta, Chairman and CEO at PepsiCo, explains: “It’s our vision to deliver a more sustainable, people-centric future, driving growth and value, for everyone.
“It’s not just a business strategy – it’s a transformative journey across our operations, from production to marketing to distribution.”
He adds: “We are dependent on the earth, relying on its resources to grow crops and produce the foods, snacks and drinks that bring joy and smiles to millions of people every day.
“pep+ is our strategy to nurture the soil, air, and water that sustain us, positioning our company for future success and seeking to positively impact the communities we touch around the world, today and for future generations.”
Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo, adds: “Across the globe, we are deploying a range of solutions to decarbonise our business and help us move a step closer to becoming net zero by 2040.
“That’s not a simple task, particularly for some of our sites that have been operating for decades.”
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