Kellog’s has announced today that, in partnership with Tesco, it will pilot a paper liner for its cereal boxes in a select number of stores from January 2022.
According to the company, the plastic inner liner in cereal boxes is not currently widely accepted in kerbside recycling. The new paper liner is reportedly recyclable and will make Kellogg’s entire cereal packaging paper-based, as the cereal’s outer card packaging is already fully recyclable.
The new packaging, developed by Kellogg’s packaging technologists, is apparently suitable for the process of filling and sealing bags inside of cereal boxes that takes place at the company’s factory, as well as for transporting the cereal to retailers.
Kellogg’s adds that it is important that the paper liner is able to keep the cereal fresh, to ensure the product’s 12-month shelf life.
The company says that the results of the pilot will determine how it adapts its packaging going forward. This could involve trying to transition to recyclable at kerbside plastic liners – which are already available in Ireland and Belgium – or rolling out fully paper-based packaging.
Chris Silcock, managing director at Kellogg UK and Ireland, comments: “We know people want to do more to help the planet and that’s why we are working hard towards meeting our commitment of all Kellogg’s packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by the end of 2025.
“This important trial of fully paper cereal packaging ensures we have explored all our options.
“Ultimately, we would prefer plastic liners to be accepted in home recycling as our data tells us that they are better for the planet over the full life cycle of the packaging, but this trial ensures we have an alternative.”
David Beardmore, grocery director at Kellogg, adds: “We are committed to working with our suppliers to remove, reduce, reuse and recycle packaging, particularly plastic.
“It’s great to see that Kellogg is trialling a paper cereal bag in our stores - our customers will be pleased that they can easily recycle the bag at home.
“We call on suppliers to test and roll out actions like this; using as little material as possible and making sure that necessary packaging is easy to recycle.”
Tesco and Kellogg have previously worked together on sustainability initiatives including a trial to collect cartons at in-store recycling points, which provided a short-term recycling solution for the tube packaging of Pringles, a Kellogg brand.
Earlier this year, Kellogg also established plans to remove excess air from its cereal packs, which could result in a 700-tonne annual reduction in carbon from the company’s operations. Meanwhile, Tesco launched its partnership with Loop to offer customers a range of food, drink, household and beauty products in reusable packaging.
