Kellanova Europe and Sonoco now offer the new, paper-based and recyclable Pringles tube throughout Ireland, with the former targeting a completely recyclable, reusable, and compostable packaging range by 2025.
The original Pringles tube was launched in the 1960s and featured a steel base. A steel can was trialled as an alternative in Italy in 2019; the following year, a paper tube was tested in the UK.
Then, last July, a new tube was revealed. It is made from 90% paper, incorporates paper recyclate, and features a paper base – a design set to make the entire pack compatible with home recycling bins, and the paper waste stream at large. Its plastic lid can also be recycled separately, it is claimed.
Apparently, the tube has been tested ‘rigorously’ by packaging experts to ensure that it keeps the crisps fresh and protected for 15 months. It is therefore said to maintain the protective properties of the original pack.
The new Pringles can was distributed to retail outlets across Ireland in August after a €100 million investment in new technology. Now it is hoped that the ‘more widely recyclable’ tube will contribute to Kellanova’s commitment to achieve 100% recyclable, reusable, and compostable packaging by next year.
“We know people want to reduce their impact to the planet and it’s our responsibility to improve the recyclability of our packaging,” said Sarah Ferguson, general manager at Kellanova Ireland. “We’ve worked hard to develop and test a more recyclable Pringles paper-based tube and we made significant investment in new technology to enable our factories to produce it.
“Not only is it widely recyclable but it keeps the chips fresh and tasty and protects them from breaking which helps to reduce food waste.”
Seàn Cairns, president of Global Rigid Paper and Closures (RPC) at Sonoco, helped design the new tube for recycling alongside Pringles’ technical teams. In his view, consumers are becoming more aware that their purchasing decisions have an environmental impact, and of the sustainability-minded options available on the market.
“With this in mind, it’s important for businesses to stay ahead of the curve by exploring new packaging technologies and materials,” he commented.
“It was a pleasure working with Pringles and we look forward to seeing how the new paper-based tube is received by the market. We hope the success of this project inspires other companies and brands to convert to more sustainable packaging.”
In January, it was announced that the new Pringles can would be made available exclusively at Tesco and One Stop stores and online. Predicting that around 48 million tubes would be sold in the first year, Kellanova stated that other stores would implement the new can throughout 2024.
At the time, we spoke to Seàn Cairns about the new packaging. He elaborated that the remaining 10% of material in the 90% paper pack constitutes an inner layer of foils and films that form a barrier against material, gas, and humidity; and that, in the R&D process, Sonoco developed new, patented equipment to polymerize polyethylene and seal the paper base to the pack.
Pringles also launched Pringles Mingles – described as its first bagged snack in over 15 years – back in May. Two different Pringles flavours will be combined in the same pack in a puffed snack format, with consumers currently offered the choice between Cheddar & Sour Cream, Sharp White Cheddar & Ranch, and Dill Pickle & Ranch.
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