PepsiCo rolls out recyclable and compostable foodservice cups

PepsiCo has begun offering five options of recyclable and compostable cups to foodservice customers in the U.S. through company-owned and independent bottler distribution systems. The new offerings consist of fully recyclable clear plastic cups, including an rPET cup containing 20% post-consumer recycled content, as well as compostable paper cups and wax cups made with plant-based materials sourced from sustainably managed forests. The fountain-cup portfolio mix is said by PepsiCo to empower foodservice customers—such as restaurants, stadiums, and theme parks, and colleges and universities—to select the right green cup options based on locally available recycling and composting disposal facilities.

The Pepsi-branded cups display green imagery and communicate the environmental benefit, stating, "Wow, Our Cups are Fully Recyclable," or a similar message respective to the materials used. The cups also encourage consumers to visit Earth911.com for information on how to properly dispose of materials in their local communities.

"The new cups are an advancement in technology, but also in the way we communicate," says Margery Schelling, CMO PepsiCo Foodservice. "Customers increasingly are asking for environmental products that match changing needs, expectations, and lifestyles. We want consumers to enjoy their favorite fountain beverages and feel good about the environmental impact of their purchases."

"Earth911 is pleased to see PepsiCo take a leadership role in providing consumers with accessible and actionable recycling information," says Earth911 president Corey Lambrecht. "It's no longer enough to tell people to simply recycle - you have to show them how and where."

PepsiCo says it introduced the green cups in response to growing demand for eco-friendly beverage packaging, particularly among college and university students. According to August 2010 research from Beveragepulse.com, 94% of consumers are concerned about the environmental effects of beverage packaging. A Mintel Beverage Packaging Trends Study from February 2010 says that 60% of Millennials and Gen-Xers would be willing to pay slightly more for recycled beverage packaging that's better for the environment.

The rollout of eco-friendly cups is said to be aligned with PepsiCo's global environmental goals and commitments, among them to reduce packaging waste, use rPET and renewable sources in packaging, and increase the national beverage container recycling rate.