KP Snacks – part of the Intersnack Group – is the UK’s leading manufacturer of nuts and popcorn and second largest producer of bagged snacks, producing millions of snacks every day for people around the world. But that means a lot of packaging, which, if not handled correctly, could have undesirable consequences on the environment. Not conducive to the memorable snacking moments the company is aiming for.
The flow wrapping process will see a 35% plastic packaging reduction for the six-packs across the three brands – saving the equivalent of 100 tons of plastic packaging annually, on top of the 1,100 tons the company has already removed since 2014.
The new packaging has no impact on the precious content, but means each pack takes less space, enabling larger quotas of product to be transported at the same time. In fact, the company believes this will translate to 620 fewer lorry journeys per year – a significant reduction to the greenhouse gas emissions from distribution.
The pack pact
The move aligns with KP Snacks’ People & Planet mission launched last year, which outlines ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact. The ‘pacKPromise’ three-stage plan starts with using less packaging, with the longer-term goal for all plastic film packaging to be 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.
According to KP Snacks, its sustainability priorities work alongside its high standards of food quality and freshness, along with its commitment to value for money for its consumers.
It is also working with the Flexible Plastics Fund to support investment in recycling infrastructure. "This is an important step towards closing the loop on packaging materials as we seek to protect and preserve our environment," said Nicola Robinson, head of Sustainability at KP Snacks.
Added John Leslie, packaging technology manager for KP Snacks, “Protecting the environment is one of the core pillars of our People and Planet program and we are committed to taking a responsible and proactive approach to safeguarding nature.
“We remain focused on reducing both our plastic packaging and carbon emissions in any way that we can.
“The majority of our brand multipacks have now moved to reduced packaging solutions, which – as well as Discos, Roysters and Frisps – also includes Hula Hoops, Skips, McCoy’s, popchips, Tyrrells, Pom-Bear, Space Raiders and Nik Naks.”
The new flow-wrapped packs started rolling out in UK retail in February and include Frisps Variety 6-pack, Roysters T-Bone Steak 6-pack and Discos Variety 6-pack. Discos Salt & Vinegar launched in a flow-wrapped 6-pack format for the first time in March.
"Discos, Frisps and Roysters form a key part of our Everyday Value (EDV) range, which is continuing to outperform the overall market as recessionary pressures linger," said marketing manager Amy Heap.
"The new packs will continue to support the growth of these popular brands, offering snacks that are tasty, affordable and more eco-friendly.”
Tyrrells recycled
KP Snacks has also started rolling out 25% recycled content packs for its bestselling Tyrrells flavors, including Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper and Mature Cheddar & Chive (all 150g formats). This follows the 25% reduction of plastic packaging across the greater Tyrrells range, announced in 2022.
According to Kantar data, Tyrrells products are regularly purchased by over 5.9m households in the UK and have clocked up 90 Great Taste Awards across the range.
The packs – which incorporates recycled soft plastics – reduces reliance on virgin plastics and is another step towards the company’s commitment to the UK Plastic Pact.
The UK Plastics Pact, led by WRAP, brings together the private sector from across the entire plastics value chain with the UK government and NGOs to create a circular economy for plastics.
Pact members have committed to eliminate problematic plastics and reduce the total amount of packaging on supermarket shelves. They have also pledged to build a stronger recycling system in the UK by stimulating innovation and new business models to capture the packaging’s value by keeping it in the economy and out of the natural environment.
“This new packaging innovation is a key milestone for the Tyrrells brand,” said Beth Minch, marketing manager for Tyrrells at KP Snacks.
“We know our customers care about great taste and quality, but also the environment. Sustainability continues to influence purchase decisions and the new Tyrrells sharing bags will appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.”
The new packs feature a green on-pack flash that announces, ‘We’re taking action with 25% less packaging’.
“As an industry leader, we understand we have a responsibility to drive change,” added Leslie.
“We aim to support the use of recycled plastic in our packaging as it becomes available, facilitating the drive towards a circular economy and a more sustainable future.
“By introducing recycled content to our Tyrrells sharing bags, we are beginning to close the loop on packaging while reducing the need for virgin plastics. This latest packaging innovation forms part of a broader cross-brand strategy designed to minimize our environmental footprint.”