Since the first-of-its-kind project for PepsiCo and Frito-Lay was announced in October 2019, the Frito-Lay 500,000-sq-ft Modesto, Calif. production facility has evolved into an industry-leading showcase for environmentally sustainable manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.
The implementation of zero- and near-zero technologies over the past year has reduced the Frito-Lay Modesto site’s fleet absolute GHG emissions by 53% and lowered fleet diesel usage by 78%. To date, the equipment and infrastructure in place at the site includes nearly 60 tractors, box trucks, yard trucks, or forklifts powered by electric, lithium-ion technologies, or natural gas with renewable attributes. The infrastructure incorporates an adjacent natural gas station with renewable attributes, as well as solar carports, battery storage, truck charging systems, and employee electric vehicle charging stations.
When the $30.8 million project, which is the result of a partnership with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, is fully implemented, PepsiCo anticipates the site’s overall absolute GHG emissions will be reduced by 5,480 metric tons annually, and diesel usage will be eliminated entirely from the Modesto fleet operations, the equivalent of removing nearly 13 million miles driven by passenger cars.
The project is part of PepsiCo’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes changes across its end-to-end value chain to build a more sustainable food system and reduce its environmental impact. It received funding, in part, through a grant from California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
The Processing Zone Returns to PACK EXPO
As a direct response to industry demands, The Processing Zone is returning to PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO (Sept. 27-29, 2021, Las Vegas Convention Center). The show will showcase front-of-line solutions from food processing/systems, food safety, engineering, design and construction services and more, according to show producer, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. It will also offer targeted education via its processing-dedicated Innovation Stage.
Attendee registration opens in May. In the meantime, visit packexpolasvegas.com for more information.
Other content you may be interested in:
Smithfield Foods: Sustainable Processing Practices for Food Brands (video)
Kraft Heinz Uses Recycled Flexible Plastic Packaging as Roofing Material
Bumble Bee’s CEO Builds a Culture of Sustainability (video)
