Innovative Strategies Drive PepsiCo’s Commitment to Water Conservation
Water scarcity is a pressing global challenge, and PepsiCo India is at the forefront of tackling this issue through its ambitious water stewardship initiatives. The company has pledged to replenish 100% of the water it consumes and achieve net water positivity by 2030. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, community-driven programs, and partnerships with government initiatives, PepsiCo is shaping a sustainable future.
On World Water Day, PepsiCo reaffirmed its commitment to responsible water management, ensuring long-term water security for its operations and the communities it serves. In an exclusive interview, Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head of PepsiCo India & South Asia, highlighted the company’s holistic approach to water conservation. She emphasized how PepsiCo’s programs, such as Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) and N-Drip irrigation, create lasting environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Transformative Water Conservation Programs
PepsiCo India has implemented a series of strategic initiatives to enhance water efficiency, support sustainable agriculture, and improve community water access:
1. Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) Program
Through this initiative, PepsiCo focuses on groundwater replenishment and conservation. Active in regions like Sangrur (Punjab), Pune (Maharashtra), and Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), SWRDM has benefitted over 70,000 community members. It has also led to the construction and rejuvenation of 35 rainwater harvesting ponds, with an annual potential to recharge more than 1,000 million litres of groundwater.
2. Safe Water Access Initiatives
PepsiCo Foundation is committed to providing safe water access to over 100 million people globally by 2030. Over 68 million people have already gained improved water security through partnerships with NGOs and local authorities.
3. N-Drip Irrigation: A Game-Changer for Farmers
PepsiCo has introduced N-Drip, an innovative low-energy irrigation system that reduces water usage by 50% while increasing crop yields. Currently being implemented in India, Vietnam, and the U.S., this system minimizes the need for fertilizers, making agriculture more sustainable.
Empowering Communities Through Water Stewardship
PepsiCo India’s water stewardship programs go beyond conservation; they focus on empowering local communities. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a crucial role in water management efforts, with over 35 groups and 444 members participating in sustainable livelihood activities.
In Rajasthan, PepsiCo’s partnership with FORCE Trust has improved water access for 50,000 residents across 13 villages. The initiative aligns with government programs like Jal Jeevan and Swachh Bharat Mission to create a self-sustaining water security ecosystem.
In Mathura’s Kosi region, community ownership of water infrastructure, including RO water school facilities, has been strengthened. These grassroots efforts are ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing dependency on corporate-driven initiatives.
Pioneering Innovation in Water Reuse and Conservation
PepsiCo India has embedded circular water management practices across its operations. A key innovation is its ‘vapour to water’ recovery technology. It captures steam from potato chip frying, filters out fats and oils, and repurposes the water for washing and slicing. This breakthrough has significantly reduced freshwater consumption at West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh manufacturing plants.
At its Pune, Channo, and Kosi plants, PepsiCo has already achieved 100% water replenishment by constructing and reviving rainwater harvesting structures, with an annual recharge capacity of over 1,000 million litres.
Scaling Water Conservation for a Climate-Resilient Future
PepsiCo India is expanding its water conservation efforts to new regions and refining its strategies to adapt to climate-induced challenges. The Hathras Watershed Health Initiative in Uttar Pradesh has turned the village of Hathras into the region’s first Zero Water Flowout Village under the “Gaon Ka Pani Gaon Mein” model. This program integrates rainwater harvesting, water storage, and groundwater recharge, preserving over eight crore litres of water annually.
Through active farmer engagement, PepsiCo has successfully promoted climate-smart agriculture. More than 2,300 farming families have adopted efficient water use practices, improving their agricultural resilience and livelihoods.
Transparency, Collaboration, and ESG Commitment
PepsiCo India ensures transparency in its sustainability efforts through regular ESG reports and active stakeholder engagement. The company collaborates with governments, NGOs, and academic institutions, aligning its initiatives with broader water conservation goals.
By embedding water stewardship into its core business strategy, PepsiCo is reducing its operational water footprint and fostering long-term water security for communities. These efforts reaffirm PepsiCo’s commitment to global sustainability goals, particularly the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
A Model for Responsible Water Management
PepsiCo India’s approach to water stewardship sets a benchmark for responsible corporate water management. Balancing operational efficiency with community impact leads the company toward a water-secure future.
As climate change intensifies water challenges, PepsiCo’s proactive strategies offer a replicable model for industries worldwide. PepsiCo India proves businesses can drive meaningful environmental change by combining innovation, community empowerment, and sustainable water governance.
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