Beverage brand PepsiCo has introduced locally manufactured, recycled plastic bottles for its low-calorie Diet Pepsi product in Kuwait.

Trade Arabia reported that the new Diet Pepsi bottles are made from recycled, reprocessed and repurposed plastic.

Compared with virgin fossil-fuel-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the bottles are claimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30%.

The move is part of PepsiCo’s efforts to expand its recycled bottles’ footprint in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The 2.25l Diet Pepsi product is due to be rolled out in the new packaging.

PepsiCo Middle East CEO Aamer Sheikh said: “We’re using the power of our brands to inspire people to make more positive choices for themselves and the planet and are proud to launch the 100% recycled bottles in Kuwait with our Diet Pepsi product offering.

“The Government of Kuwait has ambitious plans to build eco-cities in the coming years, and a greener, cleaner environment is intrinsically linked with the wellbeing of people.

“More sustainable packaging, and ‒ in parallel ‒ the development of an effective waste management system, will play a significant role in driving this forward.”

The introduction of a more sustainable Diet Pepsi bottle also expedites efforts to create a circular economy and reduce packaging waste in Kuwait.

The country aims to divert 80% of its waste away from landfill by 2035.

United Beverage Company deputy CEO Rashed Al Munae said: “We share PepsiCo’s vision for a circular economy and are committed to contributing to Kuwait’s vision for a more sustainable future.

“We hope consumers opt for the new packaging, and we will continue our efforts to offer them more positive choices that are kinder to the planet.”

Last week, beverage brand Coca-Cola partnered with Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) to provide fully recycled PET beverage bottles at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.