Aquapak calls potato chip bag recyclable

United Kingdom-based Aquapak Polymers Ltd. says its customer The British Crisp Co. has launched the first fully recyclable paper crisp (potato chips) packet, with its packaging material coated with Aquapak’s Hydropol polymer.

According to Aquapak, Hydropol is a highly functional, specialty environmental polymer that allows product design to support the circular economy by enabling recycling and delivering multiple end-of-life options. It is designed to be an alternative to traditional plastics, offering their versatility and functionality but without harming the environment.

Hydropol as soluble, nontoxic and marine safe, Aquapak notes, adding that products made with Hydropol are safe for existing recycling processes and are recyclable as recovered paper or fully biodegradable in other waste diversion outcomes.

Also involved in the packaging development has been Evopak, a U.K.-based manufacturer of sustainable paper-based flexible packaging.

The new snack bag contains a very thin layer of vacuum deposited aluminum included to keep the chips fresh, but the companies say that doesn’t impact the recyclability of the packets.

“Today’s launch marks a significant milestone for Aquapak and our Hydropol technology, which can be commercialized at scale,” Aquapak CEO Mark Lapping says. “This is a huge opportunity for brands and producers who now have a viable, functional and recyclable alternative that enables full fiber recovery in a standard paper recycling process.”

“Brits consume over 8 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," British Snack Co. CEO Tom Lock adds.

“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 says with the new alternative packaging, consumers can dispose of the potato chip bag in their curbside recycling collection bin along with their other paper recyclable items.

“Hydropol can be recycled, repulped, composted and is distinctively compatible with anaerobic digestion,” the company says. “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 firm says the new snack bags have been certified as recyclable in “standard” paper recycling mills by U.K.-based On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) Ltd., which Aquapak calls “the only evidence-based on-pack recycling labelling scheme.”

The certification means the bags can feature a green recycling logo and can be disposed of in consumer curbside collection bins in the U.K., unlike most other potato chip bags, according to Aquapak.