A new plastic-free poppy has been unveiled at the launch of Poppy Appeal 2023.
The paper poppy has been produced, using a blend of renewable fibres and reduces carbon emissions by around 40%.
Made entirely from James Cropper paper, produced in Cumbria, the new poppy is free from single-use plastic and is easy to recycle as part of ordinary paper recycling collections.
This new design is at the heart of the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) sustainability commitment to reduce single-use plastic in a drive to be less impactful to the environment.
James Cropper Paper Products managing director Richard Bracewell said: “This year’s appeal marks 45 years of our partnership with the RBL, which we are incredibly proud of.
“Back in 1978 the RBL contacted us looking for a colour-fast and biodegradable paper alternative to the fabric poppy. Even back then, the request was ahead of its time because RBL wanted to make certain that going forward the global symbol of remembrance could be easily recycled in parts.
“Fast-forward to today and we’ve helped to create a 100% recyclable poppy as part of the charity’s commitment to reducing single-use plastic in all its activities in a drive to be economical, sustainable, and less impactful to the environment.”
RBL executive director of Marketing, Fundraising and Remembrance Gary Ryan added: “We’re proud to have designed a plastic-free poppy that will enable people to show their support for our Armed Forces community in a more sustainable way. We are thankful to our long-standing supplier James Cropper who developed the innovative paper used in the new poppy.
“The company’s industry-leading technology which reuses waste from the manufacture of coffee cups has ensured the iconic poppy is now made entirely from responsibly sourced materials.”
