Burts, the UK-based premium snack producer, will roll out new crisp packaging containing 55% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic across select flavours and formats from June 2025. The move positions Burts as the first in the hand-cooked crisps category to achieve such a high level of recycled plastic content in its packaging.
The updated packs will be introduced across popular 40g and 150g formats of key flavours, including Mature Cheddar & Onion, Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar, and Devon Roast Beef. A green flash on the pack will highlight the use of recycled content to consumers.
According to the company, this change is expected to save approximately 8,000 tonnes of virgin plastic, reflecting Burts’ continued investment in circular packaging solutions. PCR plastic is derived from consumer-used materials that have reached their end-of-life and are reprocessed into new packaging through blending with virgin resin.
“With 58% of consumers now considering environmental impact when choosing food, this is just one way the business continues to become more sustainable in line with customers’ needs,” the company stated.
“Over the past few years, we’ve carefully considered the different ways we can move to a more environmentally friendly packaging while keeping the same high-quality hand-cooked chips our customers know and love,” said Rikin Lakhani, Managing Director at Europe Snacks, the parent company of Burts. “The new PCR packaging will take used materials and incorporate it into new plastic, helping to create a circular economy and a happier environment. We know we have a way to go in terms of sustainability, but we’ve made some real strides recently and are constantly looking at how we can do better.”
The packaging overhaul builds on a series of measures implemented over the past five years aimed at reducing Burts’ environmental impact. These include a reduction in film thickness from 50 to 40 microns, which alone prevented 12.2 tonnes of plastic from entering the market last year. The company has also decreased the weight of its packaging film by 10% and reduced the size and weight of its tertiary cardboard boxes by 10%. These are sourced from managed forests and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
In addition to packaging changes, Burts has reinforced its commitment to sustainable sourcing and local procurement. All ingredients are fully traceable and certified by Red Tractor. Wherever possible, raw materials are procured from nearby suppliers in South West England, such as Quicke’s Cheese, South Devon Chilli Farm and Eversfield Organic, in a move to reduce food miles and carbon emissions.
