SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 29, 2025 – Grupo GEPP, the exclusive bottler for PepsiCo in Mexico, has significantly expanded its returnable PET and glass packaging infrastructure with support from Sidel, reinforcing its long-term strategy to reduce virgin plastic use and align with PepsiCo’s global sustainability roadmap.
The collaboration focuses on scalable returnable bottling solutions—critical for achieving PepsiCo’s stated target of doubling returnable packaging from 10% to 20% by 2030 while cutting first-use plastic per serving in half. Through Sidel’s advanced filling and washing systems, GEPP is setting a new benchmark in circular packaging at scale across the Latin American beverage market.
Returnable packaging systems built for circularity and operational flexibility
Sidel’s tailored integration of returnable PET and glass technologies has allowed GEPP to streamline multiple bottling facilities. Installations across key cities—including Puebla, Apodaca, Guadalajara, and Mérida—have introduced modular systems capable of processing a range of bottle sizes and formats.
Key technologies include:
- EvoFILL Glass: An advanced level probe filler ensuring hygienic conditions and greater bottle format versatility
- Hydra Bottle Washer: A high-efficiency system that reduces chemical and water usage while lowering total cost of ownership (TCO)
The integrated approach enables GEPP to flexibly handle returnable PET, glass, and future-ready hybrid operations—all while scaling sustainability metrics and production efficiency.
Strategic momentum driven by long-term partnership
Sidel’s role has gone beyond technology supply to include operational consulting and future-proofing infrastructure. This trusted partnership has been central to GEPP’s growing success with sustainable beverage packaging.
“This ongoing collaboration exemplifies how long-term partnerships—grounded in reliability, service excellence, and technical knowledge-sharing—can enhance operational efficiency, support sustainable business practices, and help customers successfully navigate the evolving demands of the beverage industry,” comments Ascención Sánchez, Sidel’s Account Manager.
Sustainability performance through packaging innovation
GEPP’s progress is a leading case study in Latin America’s beverage industry, showing how industrial-scale returnables can help achieve environmental benchmarks. Between 2018 and 2023, GEPP recorded a 73.3% increase in returnable packaging volume, rising from a baseline index of 100% to 173.3%.
The company’s efforts to replace virgin PET with recycled alternatives have accelerated as well:
- 26% rPET content in packaging by end of 2023
- Nearly 30% of incremental PET volume captured via returnable packaging
- Third-highest global recovery rate, with 6 out of 10 bottles collected for recycling through ECOCE, a non-profit packaging recovery initiative
Industry alignment with broader circular economy trends
GEPP’s expansion fits into a global shift among beverage manufacturers toward returnables and closed-loop packaging systems. With mounting pressure from regulators, retailers, and environmentally conscious consumers, scalable returnable systems are becoming a strategic imperative rather than a niche practice.
The launch of GEPP’s universal returnable glass bottle in 2018 was a milestone in this direction—standardizing formats across beverage categories and simplifying reuse cycles while minimizing packaging waste.
Implications for beverage manufacturers and sustainability leaders
For beverage producers seeking to lower their environmental impact without compromising throughput, GEPP’s model—enabled by Sidel—is a scalable blueprint. Integrating efficient washing, hygienic filling, and flexible line configurations has not only improved GEPP’s carbon profile but also strengthened its operational resilience.
With proven ROI in reduced material costs and enhanced brand equity through sustainability, returnable packaging is emerging as both an environmental and commercial opportunity for producers across emerging and developed markets.
Learn more about returnable packaging technologies and turnkey sustainability solutions at sidel.com.