Every Drop Counts: PCPPI Champions Responsible Water Usage

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, remains on course in its commitment to promote responsible water stewardship across its operations. In 2023, the organization’s overall water usage rate reduced by 5.4% from the previous year. This demonstrates PCPPI’s continued initiatives in ensuring proper water use, particularly in the production process.

PCPPI complies with global standards and as prescribed by PepsiCo in conducting water use audits that monitor consumption across its facilities. As much as 50% of the organization’s water use is dedicated to washers for returnable glass bottles. To maximize efficiency, equipment maintenance and updates are scheduled regularly. Training courses and policy refresher sessions on proper machine use are also conducted to keep technical teams informed on best practices and operating standards. These learning opportunities ensure that employees uphold safety and avoid production-related incidents.

Reducing the frequency Clean-In-Place (CIP) procedures in select facilities amplifies PCPPI’s efforts in reducing water use, Each CIP procedure uses an estimated 30 cubic meters of water to ensure cleanliness in the production area. Aside from extending operation hours, PCPPI is also optimizing CIP periods by using recycled water.

PCPPI has been a steadfast partner of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local governments where it operates with the Adopt-A-River Program. This initiative allows organizations to look after and care for bodies of water in the areas where they operate. At present, PCPPI’s locations in Cebu, Pampanga, Davao, Leyte, Zamboanga and its home city of Muntinlupa have ongoing agreements with their respective local governments.

The bigger picture

March 22 marks World Water Day, an initiative of the United Nations (UN) that promotes responsible use of and better access to safe water. PCPPI remains committed to furthering its position as a champion of water stewardship, especially since the resource is vital to its operations. Aside from the programs mentioned earlier, the organization empowers its employees to develop smarter, more innovative ways to uphold global standards while ensuring that water usage is managed and reduced over time.

“At PCPPI, we are continuously improving our processes to make sure that our operations utilize resources wisely,” said Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer Atty. Carina S. Bayon. “Aside from arming our employees with the necessary trainings and industry best practices, we work closely with government stakeholders and community leaders in advocating a sustainable future,” she added.

PCPPI is the country’s exclusive manufacturer and distributor of well-known beverage brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier Purified Water, Milkis, and Chum Churum Soonhari. For more information, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com. 

Cebu City is Among 66 Worldwide Designated by UNESCO as New Creative Cities

On October 30, Cebu City joined 66 cities designated as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities by the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay.

Cebu City is now officially part of the UNESCO Creative Cities International Network under the design category.

As explained in the UNESCO website (https://en.unesco.org), the UNESCO Creative Cities are laboratories of ideas and innovative practices that bring a tangible contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative thinking and action.

Through their commitment, creative cities from all continents and regions with different income levels and populations are championing sustainable development actions that directly benefit communities at urban level.

“All over the world, these cities, each in its way, make culture the pillar, not an accessory, of their strategy,” says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. “This favours political and social innovation and is particularly important for the young generations.”

With 66 new creative cities this year, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now counts to a total of 246 cities all over the world.

As stated in the website, UNESCO Creative Cities Network members work together towards a common mission: placing creativity and the creative economy at the core of their urban development plans to make cities safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.