​

Most chips and confectionery packets are made from either Polypropylene (PP) and/or Low-Density Polypropylene (LDPE) and an Aluminium laminate that is meshed together to create a gleaming metalized (or foil-look) plastic film.

​

Why is it not recyclable?

According to The Packaging Council of South Africa (PACSA), laminates are very difficult to recycle and that only very specialised recycled products can make use of these laminates. The amount of ink used for the wrappers can also cause quality problems down the line.

​

Note: The clean factory waste of chocolate and sweet wraps made from PP (known as BOPP) is recycled by Atlantic Plastics and Transpaco Recycling. However, the dirty and food-stained post-consumer wraps are not recycled due to the high costs involved to collect, transport, clean the wraps then recycle them only to make a negative return.

​

What now?

• Upcycle the packets into colourful bags, or wallets, find ideas here.

• Use the packets to make an Eco-brick and donate the Eco-brick to a participating school or project.

• There are pilots underway that recycle the packets into school desks.

• Alternatively, try out different treats that are packaged in eco-friendly packaging, that is biodegradable and compostable.