The Mexican beverage producer Grupo GEPP is investing in returnable glass and PET filling systems together with Sidel. The aim is to reduce the use of virgin materials and promote a circular plastics economy in Mexico.
Grupo GEPP, one of Mexico's largest private employers with over 46,000 employees, is systematically expanding its filling capacities for reusable packaging. The company, which sells international brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade, Lipton and 7Up and has its own brands such as Epura and Garci-Crespo, is working closely with machine manufacturer Sidel to achieve this.
As part of PepsiCo's sustainability strategy - to which GEPP has been contributing since 2018 - the use of new plastic per portion is to be reduced by 50 per cent and the proportion of reusable packaging increased from 10 to 20 per cent by 2030. According to the company, it is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040.
Return systems for PET and glass in several plants
GEPP installed a partially recyclable glass bottling line in Puebla back in 2018 with the support of Sidel. This was followed by combined glass and PET returnable lines in Apodaca (2019), a complete PET returnable line in Guadalajara (2020) and further lines in Merida (2021). The technologies used - including the Hydra bottle washer and the EvoFILL Glass filling system - enable high hygiene standards with low water and chemical consumption, while also reducing operating costs, according to the statement.
According to Sidel Account Manager Ascención Sánchez, this long-term partnership shows how technical expertise and reliability can contribute to increasing efficiency and sustainably transforming the beverage industry.
Take-back systems strengthen the recycling industry
GEPP has been committed to establishing a functioning circular economy for plastics in Mexico for years. Through the ECOCE initiative, which promotes the recycling of packaging, the company plays a key role in the recovery of 6 out of 10 bottles sold - one of the highest recovery rates in the world, according to the company.
By the end of 2023, GEPP was able to increase the proportion of recycled material in its packaging to 26 per cent. At the same time, the expansion of the reusable portfolio helped to significantly reduce the use of virgin material. Between 2018 and 2023, the volume of recyclable packaging (PET and glass) grew by 73.3 per cent.
Source: Sidel
