- PepsiCo Portugal will invest €7.5 million in a biodigester at the Carregado plant, starting construction in April 2023.
- The biodigester will convert over 21,900 tons of organic waste per year into 4,818,000 Nm3 of biomethane.
- The project aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% and gas consumption at the plant.
- The Carregado factory has had a biogas production system since 2012, reducing electricity consumption by 50% at its WWTP.
Investment and Construction
PepsiCo Portugal will invest €7.5 million in a new biodigester at its Carregado plant, with construction starting in April 2023. This facility will be the company's first biodigester in southern Europe.
Function and Capacity
The biodigester will process over 21,900 tons of organic waste annually, including sludge from the factory's wastewater treatment plant, potato peelings, and other food waste. This waste will be converted into 4,818,000 Nm3 of biomethane per year through anaerobic digestion.
Environmental Impact
The project aims to achieve a 30% reduction in carbon emissions and reduce gas consumption at the Carregado plant. The biogas produced will be used as fuel in various production stages, as well as for sanitizing production lines and heating sanitary waters.
Existing Sustainability Measures
Since 2012, the Carregado factory has had a biogas production system that reduces electricity consumption by 50% at its wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, a project for reusing heat in the ovens used for Doritos production has led to a 5% reduction in gas consumption.
Future Goals
These investments align with PepsiCo's broader goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 40% by 2030 and achieve zero net emissions by 2040. The company plans to reduce GHG emissions in its direct operations by 75% and in its indirect operations by 40% by 2030.
