A more eco-friendly Pringles tube1 has been launched to allow snackers to more easily pop the tube of their favourite crisps in with their household recycling. Now available nationwide, the paper-based tubes will replace the iconic Pringles can originally launched in the 1960s, which had a steel base.
The more widely recyclable Pringles tube is made from 90% paper and has a paper base, which means customers can put it straight in their home recycling bin. It has a plastic lid that can also be recycled. The paper-based tube has been rigorously tested by the company’s packaging experts to make sure it protects the iconic saddle-shaped crisps and keeps them fresh for 15 months, just like the original can.
The new paper-based tube was first introduced to retail outlets nationwide in August. This significant move, which has involved an investment of €100 million in new technology, follows the trial of a steel can in Italy in 2019 and a paper tube in the UK in 2020.
Ann Rose Eng, Senior Brand Activation Manager, Pringles Ireland - said: “We know people want to reduce their impact to the planet and it’s our responsibility to improve the recyclability of our packaging. 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 - Global Rigid Paper and Closures (RPC) at Sonoco, who worked with Pringles technical teams, to develop the new ‘designed for recycling’ tube. He notes that consumers are more aware than ever of how their purchasing behaviours are impacting the environment, as well as the more sustainable packaging options available to them.
“With this in mind,” he says, “it’s important for businesses to stay ahead of the curve by exploring new packaging technologies and materials.” Highlighting the importance of partnership in packaging design, he adds: “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.”
