Top firms pledge to cut plastics use in businesses on World Environment Day

Major companies across sectors, including RB, PepsiCo, Nestle and Hyundai, have pledged to reduce usage of plastics in their businesses and enhance recycling on the World Environment Day.

FMCG major RB has committed to make 100 per cent of its plastic packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.

Similarly, food and beverages major PepsiCo India said it would explore ways to scale up recovery and recycling, equivalent to 100 per cent of its post-consumer plastic waste in the next few years.

PepsiCo will also pilot first-ever plant-based, 100 per cent compostable packaging for Lay's and Kurkure snacks products in India.

"The responsible use of plastic for packaging is our overriding aim and we have organised our efforts using the 4R approach -- reduce, reuse, replace, and recycle. We are committed to removing or reducing plastic packaging...and investing in research into alternative materials," RB said in a statement.

PepsiCo India President and CEO Ahmed ElSheikh said the company has been working to reduce the impact of its packaging on the environment.

"We are committed to working with partners to leverage new technologies and developing sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging solutions," he said.

ElSheikh further said, "...India will be among the first countries to pilot this new, sustainable packaging solution developed by PepsiCo. We plan to launch this pilot in the fourth quarter of 2018."