Sonoco Europe and Kellanova - New Pringles widely recyclable paper tube

Sonoco, in collaboration with brand owner Kellanova, has engineered a sustainable makeover for the iconic Pringles tube. Traditionally composed of various materials, Sonoco's inventive solution replaces the metal base with an all-paper construction, rendering the can fully recyclable within the UK's domestic paper and cardboard recycling stream.

The new tube retains the brand’s iconic cylindrical shape – enabling the crisps to remain stacked. Furthermore, the new paper-based tube protects the crisps and preserves the flavour to keep them as fresh. Consumers can also reclose the tubes with the recyclable plastic lid to ensure the chips stay fresh after opening.   

Most importantly, the new paper-based tube takes into account “Circularity by Design” guidelines from the European fibre-based packaging value chain, the 4Evergreen alliance, and obtains a good recyclability score for its suitability for recycling in standard paper mills under 4evergreen’s Recyclability Evaluation Protocol. The tubes were widely accepted in recycling streams across Europe, simplifying the recycling process for paper recyclers.

The Pringles tube's sustainable makeover, with a 90% paper composition, represents a significant leap forward in functionality, recyclability, and overall sustainability. The packaging's predominant use of recycled paper contributes to a circular economy for recycled paper packaging.

Beyond recycling challenges, a team of engineering, marketing, R&D, and supply chain resources worked to deliver an end-to-end solution to meet project objectives. They also considered multiple performance requirements (including shelf life and distribution) that are key success criteria for our food and consumer experience. Bringing all this together became a multi-year effort focused on development of breakthrough technology across our entire supply chain. 

Moreover, the project considered various performance requirements, including shelf life and distribution, vital for the success of the food and consumer experience. Overcoming these multifaceted challenges became a meticulous and multi-year effort focused on the development of breakthrough technology across the entire supply chain.

This dedication and innovation not only enabled Sonoco to meet the project's goals but also positioned the company as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions within the industry.

Award sponsored by Weetabix Food Company