By implementing the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which emphasize a manufacturer’s accountability across the entire packaging lifecycle, the company has strengthened its position as one of the leaders in sustainable packaging management, ensuring a more efficient and responsible system.
According to a 2023 report by the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand generated over 3 million tons of single-use plastic waste, of which only 0.75 million tons—or 25%—was recycled. In response, the company places strong emphasis on initiatives aimed at increasing the circulation of used PET plastic bottles back into the recycling process as much as possible.
Suntory PepsiCo Thailand places equal importance on consumers, society, and the environment alongside business growth, with the goal of becoming a truly sustainable organization in every dimension—guided by its corporate value of “Growing for Good.” A key milestone in this journey has been the transition from conventional packaging management to Sustainable Packaging Management under the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which addresses every stage of the packaging value chain—from design, material selection, and production to usage and post-consumer packaging management. This holistic approach spans Upstream, by selecting eco-friendly packaging design that 100% recyclable; Midstream, by communicating and educating consumers on the importance of waste segregation; and Downstream, by promoting the collection and recycling of post-consumer PET bottles, particularly clear, colorless PET bottles, that can be safely and efficiently recycled into new bottles, in a process known as Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling.
Upstream: Sustainable Packaging
Suntory PepsiCo Thailand demonstrates its commitment to sustainable packaging from the very start of the value chain by using clear, colorless PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles that are clean, safe, and 100% recyclable. In addition, The company has collaborated with business partners to develop lightweight PET bottles, reducing the use of virgin plastic in production by over 30%—all while maintaining the same quality or durability.
Importantly, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand was the first in Thailand’s beverage market who started using 100% rPET bottles for its Pepsi and TEA+ brand. Since then, it has continued to expand the use of 100% rPET bottles across additional product sizes and flavors. Today, the company is recognized as a leader in the use of recycled PET bottles in Thailand.
To further drive sustainable Bottle-to-Bottle recycling, the company has collaborated closely with various partners to develop packaging innovations, including the production of food-grade recycled plastic resins from post-consumer bottles in Thailand, with a recycling capacity of up to 40,000 tons per year. The company has also developed lightweight carbonated soft drink caps (Lightweight Caps 26/22mm Design), which reduce plastic use by 16% while maintaining strength and fizziness retention, piloted on selected sizes of Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar products. In addition, the company has discontinued the use of color-printed logo on caps to improve recyclability—further reducing virgin plastic use, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing overall environmental impact.
Midstream: Communicating and Educating Consumers about the Importance of Waste Segregation
Suntory PepsiCo Thailand believes that the collaboration across all sectors—particularly consumers’ participation—is essential to achieving sustainable packaging management. Therefore, the company places strong emphasis on communication efforts to build “awareness, understanding, and a sense of responsibility” for proper waste segregation. Key initiatives include sharing information and educational articles through both online and offline channels, providing recycling guidance directly on product labels, and organizing educational activities in communities. The content covers proper waste segregation practices, the 3R Principles (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle), and deeper understanding of PET and rPET packaging. The ultimate goal is to encourage consumers to “see the value of waste” and actively participate in proper segregating of post-consumer packaging to support effective recycling.
