Walkers Chocolates is switching its popular Turkish Delight and Mint Cream bars to fully recyclable paper packaging. The new packaging, developed in collaboration with EvoPak and Aquapak, is designed to both reduce environmental impact and promote recyclability.
British brand Walkers Chocolates is now offering its Turkish Delight and Mint Cream chocolate bars in paper packaging. The change, which will initially be introduced in Asda and Premier shops, is a step towards minimising the Reduce the environmental impact of plastic and to create a simpler recycling solution for consumers.
The new packaging was designed by EvoPak developed and uses Hydropol, an innovative polymer from Aquapak. In contrast to conventional composite materials, which are often difficult to recycle, the new packaging with the Dispose of normal paper waste and at the same time offers protection against oxygen, oil and moisture to ensure the freshness of the products.
„At Walkers Chocolates, we attach great importance to sustainability and endeavour to reduce our impact on the environment. As part of this, we will be switching completely from plastic to paper-based materials wherever possible over the next three to five years. Today's announcement is an exciting step for the Walkers team and two of our key customers. I hope this is the start of a much bigger revolution in the chocolate category that will be welcomed by consumers who will be able to recycle the packaging and know that there will be no harmful microplastics at the end of its lifecycle.“
Tom Murtagh, Commercial Director at Walkers Chocolates
The switch to paper-based packaging is intended to minimise The challenges of today's snack and confectionery packaging approach. Conventional plastic packaging, which consists of complex multi-layer structures, is functional but makes recycling difficult. With Hydropol, the paper remains fully recyclable and disintegrates at the end of its life cycle without leaving behind harmful microplastics.
In addition, the technology enables almost complete recovery of the paper fibres in standard recycling mills. Hydropol is also Biodegradable, compostable and compatible with anaerobic fermentation processes. Walkers Chocolates is therefore not only addressing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, but also actively supporting the circular economy.
„Today's announcement is a significant step by major retailers to switch to fully recyclable paper packaging. With Brits consuming an average of three chocolate bars a week, there is a huge opportunity to reduce the impact on the environment by removing traditional plastics from this type of packaging, improving paper recycling and making life easier for consumers, retailers and brands. Aquapak's Hydropol technology has made this possible and opens the door for many other categories to do the same.“
Mark Lapping, Chief Executive Officer of Aquapak
The packaging is certified by OPRL, an evidence-based recycling labelling system, and bears the green recycling logo.
Source: Aquapak
