The UK snacks producer said its investment in new equipment to package its products in a more efficient way is paying off, resulting in a 142-tonne plastic saving across heritage brands Skips, Nik Naks and Space Raiders. Additional reductions have also been made across its McCoy’s, Hula Hoops and Butterkist brands, as well as its PMP range.
This is above the 77 tonne packaging reduction last year. The company cut Hula Hoop packaging by 23%, equal to 11 tonnes of plastic, while Popchips and Tyrrells packaging are both down by 14%, equivalent to 23 and 43 tonnes, respectively. It also introduced a fully recyclable Christmas nut caddy for KP Nuts and a 100% recyclable KP Peanut Butter jar.
The reductions are a part of KP’s Taste for Good responsible business programme, under which it has pledged to reduce its total waste by at least 5% every year. The modifications have also resulted in thousands of fewer lorry journeys – significantly saving in carbon emissions – and freed up retail shelf space.
“We know that our consumers are increasingly concerned about the environment and the impact of their purchases and we’re here to support our retail partners by doing the right thing,” said KP’s trading director Matt Collins.
“As a category leader, we are committed to building on our existing programmes of packaging reduction, recycling and sustainable sourcing to ensure our business – and the planet and communities on which it depends – thrive for generations to come.”
Circular economy for flexible plastic
KP Snacks recently joined the Flexible Plastic Fund, a collective of manufacturers, retailers and recyclers managed by Ecosurety, a leading producer responsibility compliance scheme for packaging.
The Fund is working to create a UK infrastructure for flexible plastic recycling through collaboration and by providing financial incentives for recyclers.
In 2019, KP Snacks also forged a partnership with TerraCycle to launch a scheme that gives consumers the chance to recycle their empty snack packs. The scheme is simple and free to use – with thousands of collection points around the UK – and the recycled material is turned into new plastic items such as outdoor furniture.
The producer said 13m snack packs have been recycled to date through the scheme.
“We’re committed to lessening the environmental impact of our activities and this investment in reducing plastic across our portfolio is just the first step in this process,” said Nicola Robinson, head of Sustainability, KP Snacks.
“While reducing plastic in our supply chain is a key element of our approach, we also recognise our responsibility to help develop recycling solutions over the long term so that ultimately, we can turn our crisp packets back into new crisp packets. Achieving this will require deep collaboration across the value chain, which is why we’re proud to be a member of the Flexible Plastics Fund, as well as partnering with TerraCycle to help support infrastructure development within the UK.”