If you were thinking about posting crisp packets, Royal Mail has a message for you.
Please dont, unless you use an envelope.
They dont go through the machines, so have to be sorted manually which takes workers more time.
Recycling campaigners have been sending them in the post to Walkers Crisps, by sellotaping the companys freepost address on them without a stamp.
The plastic packets cannot be recycled, so the aim is to draw attention to this and encourage the company to change their approach.
Walkers say they will use recyclable packaging by 2025.
Campaigners say seven years is too long to wait, given that they could produce another 28 billion packets by then.
They urged people to flood Walkers social media with pictures of us popping them in the post.
Royal Mail is obliged to deliver them and not throw them away, but theyre not happy about it.
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We strongly encourage customers not to post anything into the postal system which is not properly packaged, a spokesman said.
Anyone posting items which are not properly packaged could find they are delayed or taken out of the postal system.
Campaign group 38 Degrees started the crisp packet posting movement.
Instructions on their website told people to tape up the end of the bag: You only need to do this if youre not using an envelope.
Royal Mail wont accept it if its unsealed as other letters might end up inside.
People were told to post photos of them posting the bag on social media.
Since Royal Mail spoke out about the potential issues, 38 Degrees tweeted to tell people to use an envelope.
However, the original instructions are still visible online.
Royal Mail have asked people to use envelopes when posting crisp packets – keep posting, but use an envelope. #packetinwalkers
— 38 Degrees (@38_degrees) September 26, 2018
On their website Walkers say they are working tirelessly to tackle waste challenges, allocating significant resources and attention to this important issue.
We have committed to 100% recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging across our product portfolio by 2025.
Cathy Warren, campaigner at 38 Degrees, said: Royal Mail has asked people to use envelopes when posting crisp packets and we will update the thousands of Walkers customers who are taking part.
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Walkers produce a staggering 7,000 plastic crisp packets a minute, which they dont pay a penny to clean up. They need to listen to their customers and take action now.
Walkers said: We recognise the efforts being made to bring the issue of packaging waste to our attention.
The returned packets will be used in our research, as we work towards our commitment of improving the recyclability of our packaging.
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