Big Brands Switch To Paper Packaging – Two Sides

Discover the latest food and drink brands that are swapping single-use plastic for paper-based packaging

As companies seek to strengthen their environmental values, one of the biggest packaging trends in 2024 is set to be brands switching their packaging from single-use plastic to more sustainable paper-based materials. In 2023, we have already seen supermarket shelf staples such as Pot Noodle, KitKat and Pringles shift to 100% recyclable paper, with many more food and drinks brands looking at ways they can make their packaging more environmentally friendly. Here are the latest…

Crunch Time For Crisps

Crisp packets are notoriously difficult to recycle and the traditional metallised plastic material is unable to be recycled through standard consumer systems. However, Walkers are taking a step towards more sustainable crisp packaging by rolling out paper outer bags for its ‘Baked’ multipacks following a trial earlier in 2023.

Able to be recycled in home recycling bins, Walkers says that the new packaging will reduce its use of virgin plastic by 180 tonnes a year.

“We are constantly innovating new ways to remove virgin plastic in our packaging,” said Gareth Callan, Sustainable Packaging Lead at PepsiCo UK and Ireland. “It’s exciting to see our successful trial of this paper pack lead to a nationwide roll-out. At this scale, the new packaging will deliver a huge reduction in virgin plastic, while also helping to lower our carbon footprint.”

Just For The Sustainability Of It

When it comes to packaging, Coca-Cola is heavily reliant on plastic, but the drinks giant is starting to integrate paper into its multipacks by replacing its plastic rings with a paperboard carrier. With the aim to cut an annual 200,000 pounds of plastic from its footprint, the carriers will be rolled out in various territories in the US, with a similar solution being piloted in Austria.

“We are passionate about making investments in the communities we serve,” said Paul Mulligan, co-owner of Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, the bottling company responsible for the change. “We truly care about the environment and we will continue to invest in systems that raise the bar for the entire industry. We want to lead by example and do the right thing.”

Following, the announcement that PepsiCo North America are using paper-based alternatives for their plastic rings, this is a welcome move towards eradicating a packaging device that’s harmful to the world’s wildlife and environment.

Oat So Simple To Recycle

Quaker Oats has made their porridge pots easier to recycle by switching to paper packaging across its entire range. While the previous packaging was recyclable, it had a plastic inner lining that had to be removed for recycling. Now, consumers just need to rinse the pot before putting it in the recycling bin.

“Quaker Oats was one of the first branded porridge pots on the market,” said the company, “so we’re proud to also be leading in packaging innovation and plastic reduction. We know convenience is a key factor in driving recycling rates and we’re pleased to be making it as easy as possible for Quaker fans to recycle their pots, wherever they are.”

The change in packaging is estimated to reduce the brand’s use of virgin plastic by up to 200 tonnes each year.

Cheers To Paper Packaging

The paper wine bottle is going from strength to strength with the announcement that Frugal Bottles has partnered with drinks company Broadland Drinks, which distributes Interpunkt wines across the UK. Produced by Frugalpac in Ipswich, Frugal Bottles are made from 94% recycled paperboard and are five times lighter than a glass bottle, with a substantially lower carbon footprint than glass.

“Our paper bottles emit six times less carbon than glass wine bottles,” said Andrew Ingham, founder of Interpunkt. “Packing our wines in the UK is the next step in the journey to decarbonise the wine category. We want people to have the option of enjoying a delicious glass of wine without adding unnecessary levels of carbon into our planet’s atmosphere that the wine industry produces.”