The bags are produced primarily from non-food, plant-based materials that use approximately 60% less GHG emissions than traditional packaging. The technology the company uses to produce the bags can also be licensed to other companies at no cost across the CPG industry, Frito-Lay said.
The compostable bags are currently being used for Off The Beaten Path's Chickpea Veggie Crisps and regular Veggie Crisps products sold at Whole Foods Market and select retailers this month, according to the company.
"We see these new, industrially compostable Off The Eaten Path bags as an easy way for consumers to forge a new path forward in creating a world where packaging never becomes waste," said Marissa Solis, senior vice president of marketing, Frito-Lay North America.
"Frito-Lay recognizes the important role we play in driving towards a circular economy and reducing packaging waste," added David Allen, vice president of sustainability, Frito-Lay North America. "We are investing in plans to scale circular food packaging that is recyclable, compostable, biodegradable or reusable and sharing that technology to build a more sustainable food system for us all."
In order to the compost the bag, consumers must send in or locate a composting drop-off location via the TerraCycle program. As an added incentive, Off The Eaten Path brand will also donate $1 to Ocean Conservancy for every specially marked industrially compostable bag returned to TerraCycle by May 30, 2022, up to $192,000.
"Packaging design innovations such as this will move us a little closer to a circular economy, and an ocean free of trash," said Edith Cecchini, project director, corporate strategy & policy, Ocean Conservancy.
