Most of us will be only too familiar with the type of gases which a bag of Cheese & Onion crisps can generate, but brand leader Walkers is taking action to reduce the impact of emissions.
The Pepsico-owned snack manufacturer will feature a carbon label on crisp packs. The label, developed by Carbon Trust, aims to help consumers make a choice based on a product's impact on the environment. Walkers is the first company to adopt the system, with others expected to follow..
The label also signifies a commitment by Walkers to reduce its carbon footprint. The logo will initially appear on the front of bags of Cheese and Onion, the company's best selling flavour.
In order to qualify for a Carbon Trust label, companies need to show a commitment to managing and reducing carbon emissions, before completing a carbon analysis of their product supply chain.
Walkers carbon value, 75g, is calculated based on analysis of every step in the process, from planting the potato seed, to the pack arriving in store, through to disposal of the empty packet. The breakdown of the footprint is roughly:
- growing the potatoes, sunflowers and seasoning 44%
- making the crisp 30%
- packing 15%
- transport 9%
- disposal, 2%
Walkers has reduced energy and water use per pack by 33 per cent and 45 per cent respectively since 2000, and has committed to reduces energy and water use per pack by a further 3 per cent and 5 per cent respectively year on year.
Neil Campbell, chief executive of Walkers, said: "We think that raising awareness of carbon emissions is the right thing to do. Walkers Crisps has already reduced its energy use per pack by a third since 2000 and we are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our products even further. We hope this label will empower people to make more informed choices about the products they buy."
Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust, said: "Everything we do or buy has a carbon impact and it is clear that consumers and business want to take action to help tackle climate change. We believe this label, with its built-in commitment to reduce the product's carbon footprint, will act as a powerful bridge connecting carbon-conscious companies and their customers."