PepsiCo’s environmental program in full swing

In a bold move to address the growing plastic waste crisis, PepsiCo Philippines has deployed over 90 plastic waste collection sites across the country, run by a network of women micro-entrepreneurs known as “Aling Tindera.”

This innovative program not only tackles environmental challenges but also empowers local communities and supports sustainable livelihoods.

The Aling Tindera project, which kicked off in 2020 in Metro Manila, has since expanded to 76 community collection sites nationwide, with an additional 15 sites sponsored by the PepsiCo Foundation. Through this infrastructure, the Aling Tinderas have been able to collect an impressive 2,944,074 kilograms of plastic waste between 2020 and the end of 2023, with the additional 15 sites contributing another 212,144 kilograms during the same period.

The Aling Tindera program is more than just a plastic collection initiative; it’s a holistic approach to creating a sustainable ecosystem. The Aling Tinderas purchase plastic waste from their surrounding communities, which is then acquired by HOPE, a PCX Markets project partner, at a premium. The collected plastic is then sent to accredited processors, where it is upcycled, recycled, or responsibly used as an alternative energy source, ensuring it does not leak back into nature.

This initiative has not only spurred a circular economy but has also had a significant impact on the livelihoods of the women entrepreneurs involved. According to the data, the Aling Tinderas have seen a 48% increase in their monthly income, demonstrating the program’s ability to create tangible economic benefits for the communities it serves.

PepsiCo’s corporate purpose is to create a more sustainable food system while maximizing social and economic benefits to stakeholders. This purpose aligns with the company’s pep+ agenda, a strategic transformation that places sustainability at the center of PepsiCo’s growth and value creation.

The PepsiCo Positive (pep+) agenda has three pillars: Positive Value Chain, Positive Agriculture, and Positive Choices, all aimed at driving progress toward PepsiCo’s sustainability goals. The Aling Tindera program is a prime example of how the company is putting these principles into practice, proactively addressing plastic waste management even before the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) law was established in the Philippines in 2023.

PepsiCo’s efforts have garnered the support of key stakeholders, including Senator Cynthia A. Villar, a key advocate for the EPR law. Villar praised PepsiCo’s proactive approach, stating, “I am glad to see that the [EPR] law has started to be implemented and that companies, like PepsiCo, are at the forefront of show how producer’s responsibility can really help create a more sustainable future for us all, starting by the collection and diversion of plastics from nature.”

Villar also highlighted the importance of partnerships between companies and grassroots community groups, like the Aling Tindera program, in empowering women, providing incremental income to communities, encouraging behavior change, and educating the public about responsible plastic waste management.

PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the Aling Tindera program. The company has also embarked on efforts to reduce the amount of virgin plastic used in its packaging through light weighting measures.

Additionally, PepsiCo is promoting a circular economy by introducing packaging that is recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, and/or reusable (RCBR). Globally, the company has set a target of attaining 100% RCBR across all its packaging by 2025.