SunChips Packaging Gets Bad Rap

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TORONTO — Frito Lay Canada’s SunChips compostable bag is causing quite the stir across the country, where critics are lodging noise complaints about the new environmentally friendly potato chip package.  

Executives from the foodservice company have responded with an awareness campaign, and a statement, saying: “Our bag is loud, our bag is different, our bag is good for the environment, and our bag will remain on store shelves.”

At the root of the problem (and green solution) is the plant-based material called polylactic acid, which generates more noise than a traditional chip bag, because it isn’t as soft at room temperature. On the upside, the material is more than 90 per cent renewable and is the reason the bag breaks down in a hot, active compost in about 14 weeks.

“We are continually looking for ways to improve the bag to reduce noise while at the same time keeping the environmental benefits, and we expect to have news to share on that soon. In the short term we feel the current bag offers a big reduction in waste for a little amount of noise,” says Helmi Ansari, sustainability leader, Frito Lay Canada. “We always welcome the feedback of Canadians but also want to encourage them to accept the greater purpose of the bag, noise and all.”

SunChip fans not satisfied with that answer can voice their comments and concerns on a new Frito Lay Facebook page. Customers who think the bag is still too loud after “touching it and squeezing it,” will be sent a free pair of earplugs. For more information, click here.

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