Walkers Chocolates switches to 100% recyclable paper wrappers

Walkers Chocolates, a UK-based confectionery manufacturer known for producing a wide range of chocolate products and sweet treats, has announced a significant sustainability initiative. The company is transitioning its own-brand Turkish Delight and Mint Cream chocolate bars into EvoPak RCM, a 100% recyclable paper wrapper.

The new packaging eliminates the use of polyethylene, a material commonly found in traditional paper wrappers that complicates recycling. Walkers Chocolates’ wrappers can now be disposed of through standard kerbside recycling collection alongside other paper recyclables. This innovation reduces reliance on in-store recycling drop-offs and ensures that if the wrappers are littered, they will break down without releasing harmful microplastics into the environment.

The recyclable nature of the wrappers has been certified by the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL), the UK's evidence-based recycling labelling scheme. The wrappers also prominently display the green recycling logo to guide consumers.

Tom Murtagh, Commercial Director, Walkers Chocolates, said: Today’s announcement is an exciting step for the Walkers team with two our key customers and I hope is the start of a much bigger revolution in the chocolate category, and one which will be welcomed by consumers who can recycle the wrappers and know that no harmful microplastics are being produced at end of life.

This move reflects Walkers Chocolates' commitment to reducing environmental impact and aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions.