A new program to recycle waste packaging from children’s snack foods has launched in Australia.
Australian kids and their parents will be encouraged to recycle their food pouches and snack wrappers through the Kids Pouch and Snack Brigade.
The initiative is a joint venture between Whole Kids, a family-owned business that produces organic kids’ food, and global recycling experts TerraCycle.
“The premise for launching Whole Kids was to create a healthier, convenient range of snack foods for children,” said Monica Meldrum, who founded Whole Foods with her husband, James.
“We’ve been very focused on sustainability and the impact our decisions have on the environment, so opted for organic, locally-sourced ingredients. The Kids Pouch and Snack Brigade is the final piece of the puzzle, and means that the pouches and wrappers from Whole Kids foods can be revived into useful items.”
The couple decided to team up with TerraCycle after they heard about the work the organisation was doing to help eliminate typically ‘unrecyclable’ items from going to landfill. After achieving success with similar programs across Europe and America, both Monica and James are eagerly anticipating the impact Kids Pouch and Snack Brigade will have on Aussie families and the environment.
“Through this exciting initiative Australians will be able to collect Whole Kids pouches and snack wrappers at home, their local playgroup or school in any used box, and then send their collections to TerraCycle for free via Australia Post,” added Mrs Meldrum.
The program is one of a number pioneered by TerraCycle, who will repurpose the pouches and drinks caps into sustainable items such as park benches and chairs.
Anyone can join the program by registering on the TerraCycle website. As an added incentive, collectors will be also be rewarded; for each used pouch sent in, they’ll receive two cents which they can then donate to a local playgroup, school or charity of their choice.
“We can’t wait to see how many schools and playgroups get involved to teach and encourage future generations about the fun and importance of recycling,” said Mrs Meldrum.