Walkers has launched a nationwide recycling scheme for crisp packets.

Working with TerraCycle, the scheme will tap an established network of recycling collection points around the UK. It will accept all brands of crisp packet, which will ultimately be turned into other basic plastic items.

The move follows a social media-led campaign that urged Walkers to combat plastic waste. The #PacketInWalkers campaign encouraged consumers to post used crisp packets back to Walkers.

Through Walkers’ new scheme, consumers can take empty packets to a nearby recycling drop-off point. Those without a point nearby can arrange to have the packets collected by a courier, free of charge.

The packets will be sent to TerraCycle who will clean and shred them ready to be made into small plastic pellets, which will be used to make items such as outdoor furniture, trays, roofing and flooring, Walkers said.

“This is another important step towards our ambition to make all of our packaging 100% recyclable, compostable or biodegradable by 2025,” said Ian Ellington, general manager of PepsiCo UK, the parent company of Walkers crisps.

“This is the first crisp packet recycling scheme in the UK and it will only work if everyone gets collecting and sending in, which is why we’ve made the scheme as simple as possible and free.”

To encourage collection and return of the packets for recycling, the scheme offers charity points based on the number of bags collected. People are encouraged to collect as many packs as they can in one go and then send in larger batches.

The scheme follows news that Pladis, the company which owns McVitie’s, had extended its partnership with TerraCycle as part of a three-pronged strategy to improve the recyclability of its packaging.