Quaker Oats, the UK’s largest porridge brand[2], is rolling out new paper packaging across its entire range of porridge pots. The move is set to reduce the brand’s use of virgin plastic by up to 200 tonnes each year[3] and make it even easier for people to recycle their pots alongside other paper packaging at home or on the go.
While Quaker porridge pots were previously recyclable, the plastic inner packaging had to be separated from the card sheath for recycling. The switch to paper means consumers now only need to recycle one piece of packaging, making the process much simpler.
With Quaker Oats representing almost half (47%) of the UK porridge pot market[4], the new packaging will deliver a significant reduction in the virgin plastic used in porridge pots sold across the country.
It is the latest in a series of packaging changes announced by Quaker’s parent company PepsiCo this year. Last month, PepsiCo brand Walkers launched new paper outer packaging across its full Walkers Baked multipack range and has also recently trialled bagless multipacks for Snack A Jacks.
It forms part of PepsiCo Positive, the company’s health and sustainability transformation plan, which includes an ambition of reaching net zero emissions by 2040.
"Quaker Oats was one of the first branded porridge pots on the market, so we’re proud to also be leading in packaging innovation and plastic reduction. We know convenience is a key factor in driving recycling rates, which is another important reason for launching this new packaging, and we’re pleased to be making it as easy as possible for Quaker fans to recycle their pots, wherever they are."
GARETH CALLAN, SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING LEAD, PEPSICO UK & IRELAND
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[1] Using the estimated volume of Quaker pots to be manufactured in 2023
[2] Nielsen Value Sales, determined by Value & Volume market share % of Hots category, MAT w/e 30.09.2023
[3]Using the estimated volume of Quaker pots to be manufactured in 2023
[4] Nielsen Total Coverage Value share - MAT w/e 30.09.23