New crisp packet uses Aquapaks’ innovative and environmentally safe HydropolTM material
The British Crisp Co. has, of the 28th March 2024, launched the first fully recyclable paper crisp packet, providing an environmentally friendly and scalable alternative to the eight billion packets thrown away each year in the UK, which currently end up in landfill or are incinerated. Consumers can dispose of the new crisp packet in their normal kerbside recycling collection along with their other paper recyclable items.
The new paper packet, which has been developed in partnership with Evopak, a manufacturer of sustainable paper based flexible packaging, uses an innovative polymer, HydropolTM, developed by Aquapak, instead of conventional plastic. A very thin layer of vacuum deposited aluminium keeps the crisps fresh but doesn’t impact the recyclability of the packets.
HydropolTM can be recycled, re-pulped, composted and is distinctively compatible with anaerobic digestion. Furthermore, if unintentionally released into the natural environment, HydropolTM – which is non-toxic and marine safe – will dissolve and subsequently biodegrade. It does not break down into harmful microplastics, so it still has a safe end-of-life even if it is not disposed of as intended. It is already being used in products such as reusable, heat sealable paper mailing bags.
The packets have been certified as recyclable in standard paper recycling mills by OPRL, the only evidence-based on pack recycling labelling scheme. This means they feature the green recycle logo and can be disposed of in consumer kerbside collections along with other paper material. Aquapak Polymers Ltd specialises in designing and manufacturing new polymer-based material technologies that uniquely deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale. HydropolTM, is a groundbreaking high-performance polymer developed by Aquapak’s own research chemists that enables product and packaging design to meet all necessary functional and performance requirements, whilst increasing recycling, reducing harmful plastic pollution and supporting the circular economy. When extrusion coated or laminated onto paper, HydropolTM adds strength and barriers to oxygen, oil and grease, and its solubility allows 100% paper fibre recovery through paper recycling mills.