Frito-Lay to transform production site in California, US

Frito-Lay, a convenient foods division of PepsiCo, has announced plans to implement environmental sustainability measures at its manufacturing and distribution facility in Modesto, California, US.

As part of the initiative, the company will introduce zero-emission (ZE) and near-zero emission (NZE) technologies in place of its existing diesel-powered freight equipment to support PepsiCo’s target to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20% by 2030.

The Modesto, California Zero and Near Zero-Emission Freight Facility project is part of California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide programme that focuses on reducing GHG emissions while strengthening the economy, as well as improving public health and the environment.

CCI funding is provided by several state agencies, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

PepsiCo supply chain vice-president Michael O’Connell said: “Frito-Lay is continuously looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact.

“The Modesto project is indicative of our commitment to sustainable business practices that lead to innovation, increased productivity, operational excellence and business growth.

“We hope this work will become an operating model for all of our facilities across the US, and that we act as the catalyst to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles across the industry.”

Under the $30.8m project, Frito-Lay will implement ZE and NZE technologies in various applications such as vehicles fleet and will focus on on-site renewable energy generation and energy storage systems.

Slated for completion in 2021, the Modesto project is the result of a partnership with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) that received a grant from CCI, as well as investments from Frito-Lay and American Natural Gas (ANG) and contributions from Café Coop.