Walkers has today announced the rollout of new, paper outer bags for all Snack A Jacks multipacks, which parent company PepsiCo says will reduce the brand’s use of virgin plastic by 65 tonnes per year.

The new packaging format – printed 4-colour flexo at Amcor – will be available in the next month across Snack A Jacks Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Chive and BBQ flavours. The outer paper bag can be recycled in home recycling bins and collected at kerbside alongside other paper packaging and is set to lower greenhouse gas emissions of each pack by 52%, according to PepsiCo.

This follows the introduction of the format for all Walkers Baked multipacks last year, and forms part of PepsiCo Positive, a health and sustainability transformation plan, which includes an ambition of reaching net zero emissions by 2040.

Across PepsiCo Europe, the company also plans to eliminate fossil-based plastic in crisp and snack bags by 2030. This ambition applies to UK brands including Snack A Jacks, Walkers, Doritos, Quavers, Wotsits and Pipers, and will be delivered by using 100% recycled or renewable content.

Gareth Callan, UK packaging sustainability lead at PepsiCo said, ‘Our outer paper multibag packs are working well on Walkers Baked, giving us the confidence to roll out this format across more of our snacks brands. The new packaging will help further reduce our non-fossil plastic use, while also helping to lower our carbon footprint as we work towards our commitment to creating a world where packaging never becomes waste.’

Hannah Freeman, marketing manager for Snack A Jacks commented, ‘As the UK’s favourite rice cake brand, we’re proud to be introducing even more reasons to love our delicious snacks. Easily recycled with your usual household paper recycling, these new outer packs can be disposed of thoughtfully with little fuss. We hope our devoted fans of Snack A Jacks will enjoy this small but important change we’ve made to make their snacking experience even more enjoyable at home.’