Earth Week Kick-off at Frito-Lay

Today at Frito-Lay headquarters in Plano, Texas, employees gathered in the cafeteria to kick-off this year's week of events celebrating Earth Week 2010. First, Dave Haft, Vice President of Sustainability, Quality and Productivity, provided an overview of the progress we've made at Frito-Lay to reduce the electricity and water used to make our snacks, packaging waste and fleet emissions, over the last 10 years.  

Next, Michael Waas Smith from TerraCycle updated employees on the accomplishments we've made by "upcycling" used chip bags into usable products thanks to our partnership with TerraCycle. To-date, through the Frito-Lay chip bag upcycling program, we've upcycled more than 2 million chips bags -- the highest number and most successful collection of any of TerraCycle's partner programs!

Lastly, members of the SunChips brand team shared information on composting and highlighted the ad campaign designed to support its 100% compostable chip bag, which launched last month. 

Today, we're sharing with you a podcast interview I recently recorded with Jen Saenz, Brand Manager on the SunChips brand, and Ashley Leidolf from our Research & Development packaging team. These two women were happy to share details about the new compostable packaging -- why we developed it, how we developed it and what it means for our company and for the environment.

Check back on Snack Chat everyday this week to learn more about how we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day!

Happy Earth Week! 

- Kristin Holmes

Comments

[Lori]

So, you're getting rid of these bags because some idiots think they are loud?! Way to lose the rest of us. I love SunChips but I'll be buying something else (regardless of packaging) because you have absolutely proven that your commitment to the environment is so easily silenced!

[Kristin]

Lori - we respect and appreciate your passion! For now, SunChips Original will remain in the compostable packaging while we work on the next generation, less noisy bag for all flavors. We're committed to living and operating greener, and we hope to have the new environmentally-friendly bag out soon! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on Snack Chat.