Hovis launches nationwide bread bag recycling scheme

Community groups are encouraged to reach out to the organisations to create new recycling points

All Hovis plastic bread bags are 100% recyclable through various plastic bag collection points located in major retailer stores. However, research commissioned by the brand found that one-third of consumers remain unaware of the recyclability of the product, while just 10% of local authorities – according to Recoup – recycle bread bags.

In response, Hovis and TerraCycle are launching the Bread Bag Recycling Programme to boost collection and recyclability of the packaging from households. Users can either register as a private collector of bread bags to collect them and access free postage label to post them to TerraCycle for recycling or, users can locate dedicated community collection points in schools or charity hubs to send the packaging for recycling.

Hovis’ chief executive Nish Kankiwala said: “We’re delighted to launch this initiative with TerraCycle to improve the ease of recycling used bread bags and, as a result, cut the amount of plastic entering the waste stream.

“Whilst all Hovis bread bags are 100% recyclable the new Bread Bag Recycling Programme will make it much easier for consumers to recycle their used bread bags by dropping them off to easily accessible public access recycling points or sending them in for free from home. Given the increasing public concern and debate about the level of un-processed plastic waste, we hope this will help as part of the wider efforts to boost recycling of plastics.”

Plastic bread bags from Hovis, and indeed other brands, can be sent for recycling where the packaging will be shredded and converted into pellets and flakes, which will then be used to make recycled products such as outdoor furniture and public benches.

Community groups are encouraged to reach out to the organisations to create new recycling points.

Continuous cycle

Hovis – a company that recently unveiled new electric delivery trucks for its UK fleet – joins a growing list of household brands that have partnered with TerraCycle to improve the recyclability and collection of products and packaging.

PepsiCo subsidiary Walkers has opened a UK-wide crisp packet recycling scheme with TerraCycle, while consumer goods giant Johnson & Johnson has teamed up with Boots Opticians and the recycling firm to handle contact lenses and their packaging.

TerraCycle has also forged new partnerships with Mars Petcare, Colgate Palmolive and Kellogg in recent months, launching schemes targeting pet food packaging, oral healthcare products and Pringles cans. 

TerraCycle Europe’s general manager Laure Cucuron added: “It is great to partner with Hovis and to work with this well-loved British brand to drive greater plastic recycling. Bread is a product that is consumed by many families on a daily basis so there is significant scope to alter consumer behaviour and to encourage people to recycle used bread bags.”

Matt Mace