Pepsi Trash Talk is a conversation that needs to be heard

On the field, players and their banter can elicit a response. Beyond the school-age “hey batter” from The Sandlot or not so subtle shady remarks on social media, trash talking might have evolved into a verbal art form. With Pepsi Trash Talk, the conversation takes a different turn, and it is one that should not be ignored.

Over the past several months, Pepsi has evolved the conversation about their brand. It is more than the beverage that makes food taste better. That refreshing sip is the Sunday football companion, a nod to the past and even a representation of pop culture.

With Pepsi Trash Talk, the brand looks ahead. While a beverage brand inherently creates trash due to the single use nature of the product, it can spark a conversation on making smarter choices with the product both before and after its consumption.

As Todd Kaplan said, “As we look towards a brighter future, it is critical that our brands be a force for good to accelerate the positive change we need around sustainability. From educating consumers on the importance of recycling and the planetary impacts of their choices, to taking accountability ourselves committing our biggest brand to become built out of 100% recycled plastic, is a big step forward.”

What is Pepsi Trash Talk?

Pepsi Trash Talk is essentially an “interactive sustainability platform.” With the help of both current and former NFL players, the consumers can visit the brand’s special website to learn more about various company recycling initiatives.

One of the several well known sports figures associated with the program is Deion Sanders, NFL legend and JSU Head Football Coach. While Sanders has previously worked with Pepsi, this new endeavor gives Sanders the opportunity to focus on a positive message.

As Sanders said, “Trash talk was my bread and butter on the field, and still is – so to take the fun and excitement of trash talk to share an important message about recycling, we’re excited to educate the fans out there and talk some smack while we’re at it!”

While game day is often about the Xs and Os on the field, those four quarters of game time do not always have to be filled with yards per run and completed pass percentage talk. Appreciating how and why the food and beverages being served at the game can be recycled properly ensures that the field of play is less cluttered for the future.

As consumers raise their awareness about sustainable packaging, Pepsi has made a commitment to this forward-looking choice. In particular, “all Pepsi-branded products will be converted to 100% rPET bottles by 2030, with Pepsi Zero Sugar beginning to be sold in 100% rPET bottles by 2022” within the United States. This item is one of several programs started by the brand.

The Pepsi Trash Talk program will be seen on various platforms, including public service announcements as well as collaborations with Barstool Sports and Pardon My Take.

Are you ready to talk some trash? Even though Oscar the Grouch loved this trash can, the world doesn’t need more trash. Isn’t it time that thought goes into the end product, not just the purchase?