Yesterday PepsiCo Beverages Canada announced the new 7Up EcoGreen bottle, the first soft drink bottle in Canada and North America made from 100% recycled PET plastic.

This is a significant achievement for PepsiCo and the Canadian beverage sector in general. The snacks and beverage company found an innovative way to upgrade the existing technology of 100% recycled PET production. The technology meets all regulatory requirements and is of the highest quality. The EcoGreen feels and looks like any other PET plastic bottle.

Using such bottles Canada will reduce the amount of virgin plastic used by approximately six million pounds already over the first year. According to the Association for Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers 2010 study, it will lead to a reduction of more than 30% in greenhouse gas emissions and more than 55% in energy use, based on current 7Up production levels.

“After three years of research and development, we have cracked the code to commercially develop a soft drink bottle made from 100% recycled PET plastic, and Canada has proudly led the way,” said Richard Glover, President, PepsiCo Beverages Canada. “Consumers want products and packaging that reflects their desire to protect the environment, and PepsiCo is committed to delivering on that with this kind of world-class innovation.”

The 7Up EcoGreen bottle will be available across all 7Up and Diet 7Up package sizes beginning in early August. Though PepsiCo invested $1 million in production enhancements in its facilities, the price for Canada’s number one lemon lime soft drink will stay the same. In May, 7Up was ‘hitting’ US consumers with its new retro package.

PepsiCo Beverages Canada’s has a long-term plan to increase the use of bottles made from 100% recycled plastic. With this announcement, PepsiCo enhances its commitment to its Performance with Purpose and sustainability. In 2011, Maclean’s magazine named PepsiCo Beverages Canada one of Canada’s top 50 socially responsible companies.