Riyadh: Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, and PepsiCo have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a recycling program onboard Saudia flights. The program aims to divert recyclable materials from landfills as part of a broader sustainability initiative. This agreement was announced in conjunction with the unveiling of Saudia's new brand during the Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW) 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In collaboration with Nadeera, a social enterprise specializing in innovative digital waste management solutions, Saudia and PepsiCo will work together to create a pioneering strategy for collecting, recycling, and diverting recyclable waste generated during flights. The program will involve Saudia's employees and partners and will also include awareness campaigns for Saudia passengers on the significance of sorting, collecting, and recycling activities. These efforts align with the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), which aims to reduce carbon emissions and pollution by promoting circularity.
Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of Marketing & Product Management at Saudia, emphasized the airline's commitment to sustainability, highlighting the partnership with PepsiCo as a vital step toward reducing the airline's carbon footprint and advancing environmental conservation goals.
Aamer Sheikh, PepsiCo Middle East CEO, expressed pride in collaborating with Saudia and their shared commitment to a greener future. This partnership aligns with PepsiCo's sustainability strategy, "pep+," and supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and sustainability objectives.
Saudia has already taken significant steps toward sustainability, including agreements with Lilium to acquire 100 electric jets, non-binding MoUs for the regional Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), and commitments to sustainable flight operations with the Red Sea Development Company. They are also aligning aircraft and engines with sustainability targets.
PepsiCo has initiated various circular and inclusive value chain solutions, in line with their "pep+" strategy, which seeks comprehensive transformation for long-term sustainability. The company is actively working on recycling infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, promoting awareness programs, and collaborating with government agencies to collect recyclable materials.
This partnership underscores Saudia and PepsiCo's dedication to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, the "Saudi Green Initiative," and specific landfill diversion goals in the Kingdom.
