100 percent plant-based, renewably sourced PET bottles

Now this sounds like some promising news!  I look forward to the day...  ~Melanie


by Tammy Jo Anderson Taft for the Pacific Daily News, read the full story here >>

The end of some of these long-lasting plastics may be in sight. Making plastic requires large amounts of petroleum. Engineers are developing ways to make plastic out of grass, corn and other plant materials. Last week, PepsiCo announced its engineers have developed the "world's first 100 percent plant-based, renewably sourced PET bottle."

These bottles are made from switch grass, pine bark and corn husks, making them entirely plant-based. In the future, the company hopes to make bottles from agriculture byproducts such as potato peels and orange peels.

Pepsi's engineers have figured out how to use these plant-based materials to create a molecular structure that is identical to petroleum-based plastic.

The new bottles will go into pilot production next year. If it works, Pepsi plans to go full-scale with using the plant-based bottles for its products.

PepsiCo announced its engineers have developed the "world's first 100 percent plant-based, renewably sourced PET bottle." These bottles are made from switch grass, pine bark and corn husks, making them entirely plant-based. In the future, the company hopes to make bottles from agriculture byproducts such as potato peels and orange peels. / Photo courtesy of PEPSICO

For more about Pepsi's new plastic bottles and its other recycling efforts, visit www.pepsico.com.