PepsiCo’s Walkers crisps brand is now using trucks powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – used cooking oil – to transport products from its distribution centre in Leicester to retailers across the UK.
According to the snacking giant, the move to HVO will see the low-carbon fuel replace diesel across approximately 11 million miles of truck journeys by the end of 2024.
The new transport format has been introduced in partnership with Stobart, and will save the business an additional 13,000 tonnes in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the end of 2024, it noted.
Every kilometre powered by HVO generates 85% less GHG emissions when compared with conventional diesel.
‘Decarbonisation journey’
“Scaling up our use of HVO-powered trucks to transport our Walkers crisps all over the country is a significant further step in our decarbonisation journey,” commented Simon Devaney, sustainability director, PepsiCo UK & Ireland. “By continuing to invest in green logistics initiatives with trusted partners, we’re moving even closer to our goal of net zero by 2040.”
Other initiatives introduced by the firm include replacing diesel on trucks traveling between the Quaker Oats mill in Cupar and Walkers’ home in Leicester, as well as on routes between British farms and Leicester.
PepsiCo Positive
The initiative is part of PepsiCo Positive, the company’s transformation program aimed at reaching net zero emissions by 2040. It also supports the decarbonisation goals of its partner Stobart, which is working towards achieving science-based targets.
“This important initiative will help Stobart and PepsiCo to jointly decarbonise their supply chain service by over 13,000 tonnes carbon this year alone,” added David Pickering, CEO, Stobart. “We’re now actively working on further initiatives with PepsiCo to continue to accelerate our decarbonisation journey.”
