PepsiCo seeks to reduce Tropicana's carbon footprint with new program

PURCHASE, N.Y. PepsiCo is looking to reduce the carbon footprint of its Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice.

PepsiCo and Carbon Trust launched a partnership to reduce Tropicana Pure Premium product's lifecycle by testing multiple creative approaches using reduced-carbon fertilizers. The partnership was prompted by the discovery that 35% of carbon emissions of the product was fertilizer use and application for the growing process. Tropicana, in tandem with one of its long-time growers, SMR Farms in Bradenton, Fla., is launching a pilot study to test two alternative fertilizers to determine whether using either could significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with the agricultural production of oranges.

"This pilot program is an example of how PepsiCo is working hand-in-hand with our suppliers to find innovative ways to make our agricultural practices more environmentally sustainable," said Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. "As a company that relies on the Earth's natural resources to make our products, we are keenly focused on reducing our carbon footprint wherever we can. If this test is successful, it could positively impact growing practices far beyond our business alone."