Glass bottles are relatively heavy and brittle. Many glass bottle companies have attempted to reduce the weight of their bottles by thinning the glass, resulting in lighter products. However, since glass weight reduction often compromises its strength, increasing the strength of glass is needed prior to lightweighting. 

Processes for "glass tempering" (hardening) have been employed since the 1950s, to produce stronger, less breakable glass. Strengthening processes include thermal, mechanical, chemical hardening methods. These strengthening techniques can induce compressive stresses and avoid or repair surface flaws to improve mechanical performance of glass. For instance, in the chemical strengthening process, smaller sodium ions are replaced with larger potassium ions on the glass surface to enhance fracture resistance and durability. This method has produced glass up to 15 times stronger, more heat-resistant, stackable, and lighter than traditional glass. 

PepsiCo's ongoing efforts to reduce plastic usage in its beverage packaging have led to an exploration of sustainable alternatives. Glass, already used as a single-use or returnable solution within PepsiCo's portfolio, presents an ideal candidate for further innovation. By improving the durability and reducing the weight of glass, this initiative would enable PepsiCo to offer an eco-friendly packaging solution that supports both its sustainability goals and its need for robust packaging solutions.