Pack it in, Royal Mail tells people posting crisp bags

ROYAL Mail has urged campaigners to stop encouraging people to put crisp packets in the post because they are causing delays.

Campaigners have called on people to send the non-recyclable bags back to manufacturer Walkers, and put pictures of themselves “popping them in the post” on social media.

But Royal Mail has urged customers not to post anything that is not in an envelope, warning that items could cause delays or be taken out of the system.

If the packets are not placed in envelopes, they cannot go through machines and must be sorted by hand.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “If an item is addressed properly and carries the correct postage, then Royal Mail is obliged by law to handle and deliver the item to the stated address.

“We strongly encourage customers not to post anything that is not properly packaged. And if they are taking part in this campaign we would urge them to put packets in an envelope. Customers can obtain advice from any Post Office on packaging. Anyone posting items that are not properly packaged could find them delayed or removed from the system.”

Royal Mail said it had only seen around 30 of the items so far.

People have been taking selfies of themselves posting the crisp packets and putting them on social media with the hashtag #Packetinwalkers.

It follows a petition by 38 Degrees that called for Walkers to make its packets recyclable.

Cathy Warren, campaigner at 38 Degrees, said: “Royal Mail has asked people to use envelopes when posting crisp packets and we will update the thousands taking part.

“Up and down the country, people are telling Walkers to step up when it comes to plastic waste.”

Walkers said: “We recognise the efforts being made to bring the issue of packaging waste to our attention. The returned packets will be used in our research, as we work towards our commitment of improving recyclability.”