Recycled bread tags see Tip Top on top for sustainable packaging

Tip Top has introduced 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard bread tags in what is reported to be an Australian first.

Launching on South Australian shelves, the initiative will remove 11 million plastic bread tags from local waste streams by the end of 2021 and will eventually eliminate over 400 million plastic tags per year as they roll out nationally.

The transition to recyclable bread tags is the first of a series of packaging innovations under Tip Top’s new vision, “Feeding Aussie families more sustainably”.

Tip Top ANZ Director of Sales and CSR Lead Graeme Cutler said, “Our goal is that by 2025, all Tip Top packaging will be 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable to help close the loop.

“Developed and produced through rigorous testing, the new sustainable bread tags promise no compromise on freshness and taste. Customers can expect to be provided with the same Tip Top quality that millions of Australians enjoy freshly baked every day and have trusted since 1958,” Cutler said.

Tip Top encourages consumers to recycle their cardboard bread tags in kerbside recycling bins by tucking the tag securely inside other paper or cardboard products, such as an envelope or paper bag, giving them the best chance of being recycled into a new product rather than being sent to landfill.

Planet Ark CEO Paul Klymenko said, “Small plastic items such as bread tags are problematic in the waste system. It is great to see this innovation by Tip Top in using 100% recycled content which can then be recycled when placed in kerbside recycling correctly. It is pleasing to see circular economy thinking being applied as they are designing out problematic plastic waste and keeping resources in use.”

Cardboard bread tags can now be found on all Tip Top fresh, sliced breads on South Australian shelves.