How PepsiCo is Securing Resilient Regenerative Food Supplies
Amid the challenges posed by extreme weather and population growth, the sustainability of our supply systems is more critical than ever.
This is the focal point of PepsiCo's Chief Sustainability Officer Jim Andrew's opening keynote at Sustainability LIVE: Climate Week NYC.
Jim Andrew, recognised as the top leader in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 Leaders 2025, is a notable figure within the sustainability sector.
Strategies for supply chain resilience
The details of Jim’s keynote at the Convene, 360 Madison Avenue, NYC, will remain under wraps until the event on 22 September.
However, PepsiCo’s strategies for enhancing resilience and sustainability focus on six key areas.
1 – Regenerative agriculture for supply chain
PepsiCo aims to extend regenerative farming practices to 10 million acres by 2030. This strategy involves improving soil health, optimising water usage, utilising cover crops and minimising tillage, all critical for bolstering agricultural supply chains.
2 – Water management in supply operations
PepsiCo has ambitious water stewardship goals, especially in high-risk areas, meeting some targets two years early.
It also aims to replenish 100% of the water in these areas used by its operations and franchise bottlers.
3 – Sustainable sourcing and ingredients
By 2030, PepsiCo plans to sustainably source 90% of its key ingredients to manage commodities in ways that prevent deforestation and land conversion.
Collaborating with suppliers, NGOs, and research partners, they support food system resilience through platforms like the Climate Resilience Platform (CRP), which provides farmers with climate-impact data.
4 – Packaging innovations for a circular economy
Under its pep+ initiative, PepsiCo focuses on sustainable packaging by using recycled materials and increasing the recyclability of its products, reducing dependence on virgin plastics.
Investments in recovery infrastructure and the development of reusable models align with supply chain sustainability goals.
Emission reductions and nutrition security
5 – Reducing emissions across operations
PepsiCo has set out to reduce emissions in its value chain. The company emphasises enhancing climate resilience in sourcing and operations, focusing investments on emission reduction, recognising business risks related to climate change.
6 – Enhancing nutrition security
An essential aspect of PepsiCo’s sustainability initiative is improving access to nutritious food, focusing on reducing added sugars and fats while incorporating more whole grains and plant-based proteins to address food security in vulnerable regions.
Jim Andrew remains pragmatic yet determined, stating: “Our sustainability journey will not always be linear, but we are focused on doing the work that can both strengthen our business resilience and support a positive impact for the planet.”
Innovative leadership in sustainability
Jim Andrew's path to becoming a leader in sustainability has seen him across various industries, refining his expertise in corporate strategy and innovation.
After 25 years at Boston Consulting Group and leadership roles at Royal Philips and Sears Holding Corporation, he joined PepsiCo in 2016.
Since becoming Chief Sustainability Officer in 2020, Jim has been central to PepsiCo's transformation.
His initiatives, including the 'Sustainable Operations from the Start' program, ensure that new facilities are energy-efficient from inception.
Under his guidance, PepsiCo has achieved a 33% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2015, reinforcing renewable energy practices through collaborations like the Clean Energy Buyers Alliance.
Sustainability LIVE: Keynote insights 2024
Previously speaking at Sustainability LIVE: Climate Week NYC in 2024, Jim Andrew highlighted PepsiCo’s collaborative partnerships and system-wide transformations necessary for decarbonisation in food and beverage chains.
He cited initiatives like the company's advanced facility in Poland as examples of sustainable infrastructure, emphasising the need for an updated energy grid and durable infrastructure over a 30- to 50-year lifespan.
Themes at Sustainability LIVE: Climate Week NYC 2025
With a focus on climate leadership, innovation and measurable impact, the event will cover core themes including:
- Net zero strategies and Scope 3 reduction
- Decarbonisation of supply chains
- Climate finance and green investment
- Circular economy models and material innovation
- Climate-tech and AI for sustainability
Sustainability LIVE is designed to foster insight-sharing and collaboration, and those attending will gain practical takeaways for climate action, alongside access to some of the most impactful voices in the global sustainability space.
