Crunch time for non-recyclable plastic bags in cereal boxes

PLASTIC bags in cereal boxes will be made recyclable, Kellogg’s has said.

At present pouches inside boxes, which are designed to keep the cereals fresh, cannot be recycled. But Kellogg’s has promised that by the end of next year they will be made out of material that can be recycled.

The move will remove an estimated 480 tons of non-recyclable packaging from its British and European supply chains each year, the company said.

And in another move by the food manufacturer, Pringles consumers will also be able to recycle their tubes from December. Empty containers can be sent to Terracycle using freepost labels, with the sender rewarded with a charitable donation for each one.

The tubes will then be recycled and the resulting pellets used to make products such as benches and fence posts.

Oli Morton, managing director at Kellogg’s UK, said: “We feel it’s our responsibility to continue to develop new creative packaging formats that answer the needs of our consumers and customers.”

Kellogg’s has already taken steps towards making its own facilities more sustainable. In April, the company announced the transition to compostable and paper food service products in all its factories and offices globally by the end of this year, removing all remaining single-use foam and plastic catering ware, plastic straws and water bottles.

“Nurturing our planet is a foundational value of Kellogg’s,” said Steve Cahillane, the company chairman and chief executive. “It’s imperative we are part of a solution that ensures a healthy and sustainable planet for all people around the world.”