Frito-Lay, Quaker Open Greenhouse Learning Center

Frito-Lay and Quaker have opened a Greenhouse Learning Center that will field test, measure, and analyze compostable packaging with the goal accelerating the rate of innovation. The R&D packaging team will use the center to test the biodegradation properties of compostable packages in different environments to validate lab results through simultaneous, real-time experiments as packaging formulations are improved.

It’s estimated the Learning Center will enable packaging products to move from testing to certification ready at least two to three times faster. The new facility is located next to and complements the existing prototyping lab where compostable packaging is created. The center also will be working to actively change industry standards by educating partners and stakeholders on the benefits of transitioning to compostable packaging, demonstrate circularity with biodegradable materials, and provide training to co-ops and visitors.

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“Our sustainable packaging vision is to build a world where packaging need never becomes waste,” says Denise Lefebvre, senior vice president of R&D for PepsiCo. “We’re actively changing our own compostable snack packaging technologies. By sharing these technologies, we’re inviting the industry to make these changes as well. We are prioritizing, investing in, and expediting projects to build a more circular, inclusive economy.”

“We look forward to leveraging key findings from the Greenhouse Learning Center, alongside our scale, reach, and expertise across North America and globally, to drive progress across our organization and the entire industry,” adds David Allen, chief sustainability officer, Frito-Lay and Quaker. “We must work together to inspire positive change for the planet and people, and Frito-Lay and Quaker are proud to be leading the way.”