Because the plastic inner lining of cereal boxes is currently only minimally recycled in the garbage collection system, U.S. producer Kellogg's will begin a paper bag trial in early January.
In a small number of Tesco stores, Kellogg's Corn Flakes cereal boxes will contain a cellulose pouch, a much more recycled material than plastic. This new paper-based inner packaging has been designed to withstand the filling and sealing process in an industrial production line and transportation to retailers.
And the results of this trial are "crucial" according to the food group, which plans to make all its packaging fully reusable, recyclable or compostable by the end of 2025.
But Kellogg's prefers plastic
However, paper is not the American brand's preferred material. Chris Silcock, Kellogg's managing director for the UK and Ireland, says in a statement: "We would prefer that plastic liners be accepted in home recycling, as our data tells us they are better for the planet throughout the packaging life cycle, but this trial may assure us of another solution."
Last year, again in collaboration with Tesco, Kellogg's also tested a new paper box for its Pringle's snack cakes which until now have been offered in a package described as a recycler's nightmare by the independent English Recycling Association. The group has not yet communicated the results of this trial.
