The British Crisp Co, in collaboration with Evopak and Aquapak, has unveiled a fully recyclable paper packet, marking a significant step towards reducing packaging waste in the UK.  

The innovative crisp packet is designed to address the environmental impact of the eight billion non-recyclable packets discarded annually in the country. 

Developed with Aquapak's Hydropol, an innovative polymer, the new packaging solution offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic.  

British Snack Company CEO Tom Lock said: “Brits consume over eight billion packets of crisps each year, the majority of which are not recyclable and end up in landfill or incinerators – that’s a lot of waste and a huge environmental problem.  

“In partnership with Evopak and using exciting new polymer technology, we have created the first fully recyclable crisp packet – something that consumers have been demanding for a long time.” 

Aquapak's Hydropol is claimed to be recyclable, re-pulpable, compostable, and is compatible with anaerobic digestion processes.  

In addition, the polymer is non-toxic and dissolves and biodegrades without forming harmful microplastics.  

Aquapak has engineered Hydropol to meet functional requirements while promoting recycling and reducing plastic pollution.  

When implemented to paper, it enhances strength and provides barriers against oxygen, oil, and grease. Its solubility also ensures 100% paper fibre recovery in recycling mills. 

The packaging features a thin layer of aluminium, which preserves the freshness of crisps without compromising on the recyclability. 

The packets have received recyclability certification from OPRL, allowing them to bear the green recycle logo and be included in kerbside paper collections.  

This contrasts with other crisp packets, which typically cannot be recycled in the same manner.