In an Australian first, Tip Top has made a move to more sustainable packaging, introducing its 100 per cent recycled and recyclable cardboard bread tags.

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

The tags are expected to be rolled out across Australia over the next two years.

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

According to the company, the bread tags are made from 100 per cent recycled cardboard from both consumers and industrial sources that is food grade safe. Cardboard was chosen as the material for its sustainable bread tags for its strength, durability and sustainability.

Tip Top A/NZ sales director and corporate social responsibility spokesperson Graeme Cutler said, “Our goal is that by 2025, all Tip Top packaging will be 100 per cent recyclable, reusable or compostable to help close the loop”.

Cutler also said that the tags have gone through rigorous testing and have demonstrated durability in even the toughest, and coldest of conditions – including the freezer.

“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,” he said.

Tip Top cardboard bread tags can be recycled in kerbside recycling bins by tucking the tag inside other paper or cardboard products to give them the best chance of being upcycled.

The contents of a kerbside recycling bin are then taken to a materials recycling facility where they are sorted and separated, and sent to a recycling facility to be recycled into new products.