Pepsi-Cola Bottling Group of Anchorage is not only a founding member of Green Star, but a business continually looking for ways to reduce waste. When Pepsi first investigated its waste stream, it found that it was discarding substantial amounts of cardboard. A cardboard baler was installed so cardboard could be conveniently recycled, reducing the waste stream by 27 tons per year. Pepsi recycles large quantities of materials at its facility including stretch wrap, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, steel, office paper, and scrap tires. Pepsi estimates that it saves $2,000/year in waste reduction efforts. The company backhauls cardboard from its Fairbanks operations as well.
Pepsi reduces waste and conserves energy through its product packaging as well. Pepsi in Alaska has a substantially larger mix of aluminum cans than other bottlers because it is highly recyclable here. Pepsi also has increased the layers of product stacked on each transport pallet, reducing the number of pallets needed and increasing the number of cases that can be transported per truckload. This reduces the total number of loads and saves fuel. Finally, all products in PET plastic bottles are shipped in returnable, reusable plastic crates, reducing the quantity of disposable packaging that needs to be managed and reducing packaging purchase costs. Pepsi also has a policy to purchase only photodegradable plastic six-pack rings. This reduces the environmental impact of the plastic rings on Alaska’ wildlife.
Heating costs in the warehouse were reduced significantly by installing fourteen ceiling fans to push warm air back down to the working floor. Vinyl strips were installed on the warehouse overhead drive-thru doors. Pepsi also retrofitted much of its facility’s existing lighting with more efficient lamps. Energy efficient multi-vapor lights and watt-miser fluorescent lamps were installed.
Pepsi maintains a lending library of recycling and other environmental materials. The company also is involved with the City’s annual Cleanup events as well as the Adopt-A-Highway program. Ongoing employee training and education keeps all staff involved and updated about recycling and waste prevention initiatives.
Pepsi Cola Bottling http://www.pbg.com
