PepsiCo reports 2 million tonne drop in emissions in 2024

PepsiCo reduced its carbon footprint by around 2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024, with progress in renewable energy and regenerative agriculture leading to declines across all scopes.

The company’s emissions totalled 41 million tonnes of CO2e last year, down from 43 million tonnes in 2023 and 46 million tonnes in 2022 – the baseline for its adjusted climate targets.

Compared to its 2022 baseline, PepsiCo’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions were down 18% in 2024, largely thanks to the use of renewable energy for 89% of its global electricity needs.

Meanwhile, Scope 3 Energy & Industry (E&I) emissions dropped by 12% and Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 7% as the company spread regenerative agriculture, restorative or protective practices across 3.5 million acres. 

"Our progress in 2024 shows that when we embed sustainability into the heart of our company, we not only help strengthen our communities and our planet, we also make our business more resilient," said Jim Andrew, PepsiCo Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer.

PepsiCo regenerative agriculture goals

The company, which updated its climate and sustainability targets in May this year, is now aiming to drive regenerative agriculture across 10 million acres – roughly the size of Switzerland – by 2030.

By the same year, it should achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, a 42% reduction in Scope 3 E&I emissions, and a 30% reduction in FLAG emissions.

"At the same time, we know our sustainability journey will not always be linear,” warned Andrew. “There are a number of obstacles that stand in the way of the systemic changes needed to continue making progress at scale. To overcome these obstacles, the world needs more collaboration and engagement from business, governments and civil society. We will continue our efforts to lead, to learn from our progress, and to share those learnings to help build a more sustainable and resilient food system."  

Earlier this year, PepsiCo teamed up with Cargill and an Iowa NGO to provide training and financial incentives to US corn farmers to transition 240,000 acres to regenerative practices. The company is also part of a group of global brands working to protect a biodiversity-rich area in Indonesia.