It’s described as the first fully recyclable paper crisp packet by The British Crisp Co., which launched it on 28 March, providing an environmentally friendly and scalable alternative to the eight billion packets thrown away each year in the UK, which end up in landfill or are incinerated. Consumers can dispose of the new crisp packet in their normal kerbside recycling collection along with their other paper recyclable items.
The new paper packet was developed in partnership with Evopak, a manufacturer of sustainable paper based flexible packaging. It uses an innovative polymer, Hydropol, instead of conventional plastic. A very thin layer of vacuum deposited aluminium keeps the crisps fresh but doesn’t impact the recyclability of the packets.
The polymer material, Hydropol – developed by Aquapak – can be recycled, re-pulped, composted and is distinctively compatible with anaerobic digestion. Furthermore, if unintentionally released into the natural environment, Hydropol – which is non-toxic and marine safe – will dissolve and subsequently biodegrade. It does not break down into harmful microplastics, so it still has a safe end-of-life even if it is not disposed of as intended. It is already being used in products such as reusable, heat sealable paper mailing bags.
The packets have been certified as recyclable in standard paper recycling mills by OPRL, the only evidence-based on pack recycling labelling scheme. This means they feature the green recycle logo and can be disposed of in consumer kerbside collections along with other paper material, unlike other crisp packets.
Polymer “performs like plastic, recycles like paper”
Aquapak Polymers Ltd specialises in designing and manufacturing new polymer-based material technologies that uniquely deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale. HydropolTM is described as a groundbreaking high-performance polymer that enables product and packaging design to meet all necessary functional and performance requirements, whilst increasing recycling, reducing harmful plastic pollution and supporting the circular economy. When extrusion-coated or laminated onto paper, HydropolTM adds strength and barriers to oxygen, oil and grease, and its solubility allows 100% paper fibre recovery through paper recycling mills.
Tom Lock, CEO of British Snack Company, said: “Brits consume over eight billion packets of crisps each year, the majority of which are not recyclable and end up in landfill or incinerators – that’s a lot of waste and a huge environmental problem. In partnership with Evopak and using exciting new polymer technology, we have created the first fully recyclable crisp packet – something that consumers have been demanding for a long time.”
Mark Lapping, Chief Executive Officer, Aquapak, said: ““Today’s launch marks a significant milestone for Aquapak and our Hydropol technology, which can be commercialised at scale. This is a huge opportunity for brands and producers who now have a viable, functional and recyclable alternative that enables full fibre recovery in a standard paper recycling process.”
Daniel McAlister, Director of Business Operations at Evopak, commented: “We have developed a unique paper which has the potential to revolutionise packaging as we know it, thanks to the unique properties of Hydropol. The paper can be used in a range of applications from snacks and confectionary, to petcare and dry foods and cereals, and costs the same as existing materials.”
