Pringles are redesigning their iconic tube design with people calling it impossible to recycle.
Pringles Tube is a Recycling “Nightmare”
The addictive crisps have been a household name for decades. Originally developed in the 1960s, the Pringles brand was sold to Kellogg’s in 2012. Currently they are one of the world’s favourite snacks, sold in nearly 150 countries worldwide. Three million cans are made across Europe on a daily basis. Yet, people are starting to criticise the iconic tube packaging.
In their recent list of “villains”, the Recycling Association have named Pringles tubes one of the number one contenders. According to the association, the more materials used in a single packaging, the harder it becomes to recycle. Thus, the Pringles tube, made up of a metal base, plastic cap, metal tear-off lid, foil lining and cardboard sleeve, is as bad as it gets.
New Design
Now Kellogg’s is trialling new, more eco-friendly designs. The new designs have been 12 months in the making and explore a simpler design with fewer materials. Although 90% of the new can is paper, it still relies on a mix of materials. Around 10% of the new design is made from polyal, a type of plastic. This works to preserve the flavour, protecting the food against moisture and oxygen. The new design will be in three Tesco grocery stores across England with a trial period of six weeks.
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Once You Pop You Can’t Stop
So much of Pringles branding is dependent on the iconic tubes and the “pop” sound. Kellogg’s have assured consumers that the new lids will still produce the distinctive “pop” sound. They are trialling two different lids: a recyclable paper lid and a recyclable plastic lid. However, Simon Ellin from the Recycling Association states that the “plastic lid has got to go”. It is not enough to change the design if it still features a plastic lid.
Not the Only Ones
Pringles are not the only ones with work to do. Other villains featured in the list include Lucozade Sport, Whisky bottles and cleaning spray bottles. All these brands will need to explore plastic alternatives.
