Selected Asda and Premier stores will commence the rollout of the new Walkers’ bars this month.
In contrast to traditional paper packaging, which typically includes polyethylene, the new wrapper allows consumers to dispose of it in standard kerbside recycling along with other paper recyclables. This innovation significantly enhances the sustainability of food and drink packaging.
Previously, similar wrappers could only be recycled by returning them to stores—an inconvenient process that often resulted in items ending up in landfills or incinerators when recycling protocols were poorly executed.
Importantly, if littered, this new wrapper does not produce harmful microplastics upon breakdown, mitigating serious environmental damage and protecting animal health.
The introduction of this paper wrapper presents both a functional and eco-friendly alternative to snack and confectionery packaging, which has become increasingly complicated over the last 30 years due to advancements in lightweight, multi-layer materials.
This complexity has led to greater efficiency and shelf life, yet it complicates end-of-life disposal options. Additionally, on-the-go consumer habits exacerbate littering issues associated with diverse packaging formats.
The challenge lies in small units that utilize intricate combinations of materials, which limits recycling and recovery opportunities, leading to increased landfill waste without a circular economy approach.
The revolutionary paper wrapper, known as RCM and developed by EvoPak, employs sustainable technology akin to that found in the world’s first fully recyclable crisp packet. This innovative polymer, Hydropol, created by Aquapak, substitutes traditional plastic, advancing food and drink sustainability.
To maintain the quality of chocolate during transit and on the shelves, this packaging must effectively protect against oxygen, create secure seals with standard packaging equipment, and lend itself to easy printing.
Hydropol meets these requirements while offering multiple safe disposal methods for both consumers and brands keen on alleviating plastic pollution.
Moreover, Hydropol keeps the paper entirely recyclable and compostable, even being suitable for anaerobic digestion. Its solubility doesn’t disrupt recycling processes, enabling up to 100% recovery of paper fiber in conventional mills.
Additionally, if inadvertently released into the environment, Hydropol—proven to be non-toxic and safe for marine life—will dissolve and biodegrade, avoiding harmful microplastic formation in both paper mills and improper disposal scenarios. It’s already utilized in various products, including crisp packets, chocolates, and garment bags.
The wrappers have received certification as recyclable in standard paper recycling mills from OPRL, the leading evidence-based recycling labeling authority. Consequently, they feature the green recycle logo and can be disposed of in standard consumer kerbside collections alongside other paper items, differentiating them from other wrappers.
Tom Murtagh, commercial director of Walkers Chocolates, remarked: “At Walkers Chocolates, we have a strong focus on sustainability and are committed to reducing our impact on the environment. As part of this, we will move away from plastic to paper-based materials completely over the next three to five years where possible.”
He added, “Today’s announcement is an exciting step for the Walkers team with two of our key customers, and I hope it marks the beginning of a broader transformation in the chocolate sector, welcomed by consumers who can recycle these wrappers knowing no harmful microplastics are produced at the end of their life.”
Mark Lapping, chief executive of Aquapak, stated: “Today’s announcement signifies a crucial advancement by major retailers towards fully recyclable paper packaging. With Brits averaging three chocolate bars weekly, the potential to lessen environmental impact by eliminating conventional plastics from such packaging while enhancing paper recycling is immense. Aquapak’s Hydropol technology makes this possible and sets the stage for similar transitions in other product categories.”
Daniel McAlister, director of business operations at Evopak, remarked, “We have created a unique paper, referred to as RCM, which possesses the potential to revolutionize packaging as we know it, thanks to Hydropol’s unique properties. This paper is adaptable for various applications, ranging from snacks and confectionery to pet care, dry foods, and cereals, all while maintaining cost parity with existing materials.”
