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Walkers to cut virgin plastics use with new paper Snack A Jacks outer
The snacking giant is the latest in a long line of crisp manufacturers switching to paper packaging in a bid to make their products more sustainable. Last week saw the British Crisp Co launch the ‘world’s first’ fully recyclable crisp bag.
Available from next month (May 2024), the new packaging format will be available across Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Chive and BBQ flavours.
According to Walkers, the outer paper bag will be widely recycled in home recycling bins and collected at kerbside – alongside other paper packaging – and is set to lower greenhouse gas emissions of each pack by 52%.
Sustainability improvements
The switch to an all-paper outer bag followed the introduction of the format for all Walkers Baked multipacks last year and forms part of parent company PepsiCo’s health and sustainability transformation plan for the business.
PepsiCo also plans to eliminate fossil-based plastic in crisp and snack bags across Europe by 2030. This ambition applies to UK brands including Snack A Jacks, Walkers, Doritos, Quavers, Wotsits, and Pipers, and will be delivered by using 100% recycled or renewable content.
Commenting on the change in packaging, PepsiCo UK packaging sustainability lead Gareth Callan said: “Our outer paper multibag packs are working well on Walkers Baked, giving us the confidence to roll out this format across more of our snacks brands.
Non-fossil plastic use
“The new packaging will help further reduce our non-fossil plastic use, while also helping to lower our carbon footprint as we work towards our commitment to creating a world where packaging never becomes waste.”
In December, Walkers announced it was to rollout new packaging for it Sunbites range of snacks containing 50% recycled plastic, with plans to cut its use of virgin plastic over the next two years.
Hannah Freeman, marketing manager for Snack A Jacks, added: “Easily recycled with your usual household paper recycling, these new outer packs can be disposed of thoughtfully with little fuss. We hope our devoted fans of Snack A Jacks will enjoy this small but important change we’ve made to make their snacking experience even more enjoyable at home.”
