NEW YORK – Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, will begin using solar power at its plant in Modest, Calif., to make SunChips, turning the multigrain snack chip into a “green” brand, the New York Times reports. The 10-acre plot of land with solar collectors will provide up to 75 percent of the energy necessary to make the chips.
The plant, one of seven U.S. locations that manufacturer SunChips, will start using solar energy on Earth Day, April 22. The change is part of an effort by Frito-Lay and PepsiCo to let consumers know the companies are embracing environmentally friendly practices.
Other eco-friendly measures include purchasing renewable energy credits, which is promoted on SunChips bags. Frito-Lay is also considering ways to use less water and power during its manufacturing processes, as well as purchasing fuel-efficient ovens.
Frito-Lay is developing a television, print and billboard campaign to inform consumers about its eco-friendly changes. Across the country, companies like Wal-Mart, Toyota, General Electric, General Motors, Macy’s and Coca-Cola are touting their green efforts.
“This is a space that, frankly, everybody is trying to learn about, and we’re in that boat as well,” said Gannon Jones, vice president for marketing at Frito-Lay in Plano, Tex. With more Americans expressing concerns for the planet, “companies are scrambling to find out as much as they can and respond appropriately,” he says. “The companies and brands that are successful don’t treat green as a promotional strategy…They embrace it throughout their business strategy.”