PepsiCo is trialling new ‘bagless’ multipacks across its rice cake brand, Snack A Jacks.
Packs on shelves in Tesco stores across the UK will now use 86% less plastic when compared with the previous design.
The new Snack A Jacks multipacks will be made from a tape-like strip which holds together five individual packets.
The outer tape and individual packets qualify as officially recyclable under the UK On-Pack Recycling Label Scheme and can be recycled at flexible packaging collection points in supermarkets across the UK.
Available to buy exclusively at Tesco this week, the new packaging format will roll out across the brand’s salt and vinegar, sour cream and chive, and BBQ flavours.
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This comes as PepsiCo’s third major sustainable packaging trial with the leading retailer in recent months, having piloted a new cardboard design on Walkers multipacks to replace its outer plastic packaging and paper-based outer packaging for Walkers Baked multipacks.
The latest trial also comes as the food company has invested over £2 million in new equipment to enhance reduced plastic packaging capabilities at Walkers’ Skelmersdale site in Lancashire, where Snack A Jacks are made.
“Our new bagless multipack design is an innovative example of the solutions we’re exploring to reduce virgin fossil plastic use across our portfolio,” PepsiCo UK and Ireland packaging sustainability lead, Gareth Callan said.
By 2030, PepsiCo Europe is planning to eliminate virgin fossil-based plastic in crisp and snack bags, which will apply to UK brands including Snack A Jacks, Walkers, Doritos, Quavers, Wotsits and Pipers.
Callen added: “We’re looking forward to assessing this new format as part of our commitment to creating a world where packaging never becomes waste.“
