Australian bread manufacturer launches 30% recycled plastic bread bags

Amcor has collaborated with Australian bread manufacturer Tip Top Bakeries to launch bread bags containing 30% recycled plastic, using a certified mass balance approach.

The new packaging, which started appearing in stores in September 2024, is available across several well-known products, including Tip Top The One, Tip Top The One Gluten Free, and Tip Top 9 Grain. Shoppers can find these updated bags in major supermarkets across Australia.

This packaging initiative marks a first for the country's sliced packaged bread category. By the end of 2025, the change is expected to reduce the use of virgin plastic by 160 tonnes. The project aligns with Tip Top's ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental impact, following its introduction of 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard bread tags in 2020, which eliminated 140 million pieces of single-use plastic each year.

The recycled content in the new bread bags is verified through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS Scheme. This certification ensures that 30% of the plastic used in production is sourced from recycled materials and tracked via the mass balance method.

Richard Smith, director of Sustainability for Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific, said: At Amcor, we are dedicated to pioneering advanced packaging solutions that reduce reliance on virgin plastics while maintaining the quality and safety consumers expect. This partnership not only underscores Tip Top's leadership in the bakery aisle but also demonstrates the impact that collaboration across the value chain and innovation can have on driving the circular economy forward in Australia.

Director of Sales & ESG Lead at Tip Top Australia, Graeme Cutler said: Tip Top is committed to feeding Australian communities in a more sustainable and responsible way, taking steps towards tackling the issue of plastic waste, while maintaining the freshness and quality of our delicious bread. This initiative marks a significant milestone in our partnership with packaging suppliers to help drive positive change in our industry.