Green brainwave over two pints of lager and a packet of crisps

When it comes to the crunch, inventors are finding some innovative ways to solve the problem of recycling plastic.

Disposing of crisp packets has been a particular difficulty as they are made of a fusion of plastic and aluminium foil, so they can’t be reused and end up on landfill sites.

But now two farmers have launched a new brand which come in a completely biodegradable packet made of Eucalyptus wood pulp and is said to break down in just six months on land or in water.

Mark Green and Sean Mason, of Two Farmers Ltd, Little Pengethley Farm, Peterstow, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, who use their own potatoes and local suppliers, have introduced four flavours – Hereford Hop Cheese and Onion; Lightly Salted; Salt & Cider Vinegar and Hereford Bullshot – for their new snacks.

“Following on from last week’s UN report on rising global temperatures and the urgency to cut our carbon footprint, this is a very encouraging project,” said green energy expert Ron Fox, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park.

“I think we will see many more brilliant recycling solutions in the next few years.”

The two friends, who are both 48-year-old farmers, came up with the idea over two pints of lager and a packet of crisps in a pub and have been working on it for three years with another firm making the packets.

“We have been overwhelmed by the huge response after appearing on BBC Midlands Today,” said Sean, who is also a potato dealer.

Now the pair, who use renewable energy on the farm, want to expand the business www.twofarmers.co.uk and to develop the production with the aim of making it eventually carbon neutral.

Recently another firm, Walkers Crisps, announced it was introducing a recycling scheme from December.

Consumers will be able to post used bags of any brand of crisps in free envelopes directly to a recycling company, TerraCycle, or drop them off at one of hundreds of public access collection points around the country.

The packets will be cleaned, shredded and turned into small pellets and then made into plastic items such as benches, plant pots and watering cans.

More than 330,000 people had signed a petition organised by campaign group 38 Degrees demanding the crisp giant cut down on waste.

Protesters had been encouraged to post their packets for free back to Walkers Crisps and it was so successful that the Royal Mail begged the campaigners not to send empty crisp packets without envelopes as it was causing problems for their deliveries.

Now 38 Degrees is hoping to encourage the firm to make its packaging fully recyclable, compostable or biodegradable.

But Ron said it was not only up to only inventors and companies to stop global warming. “Everyone must play their part by switching to green energy using free sunlight with solar panels to heat their home and with heat pumps to provide hot water.

“They also must ensure their home is well insulated and recycle goods whenever possible.”

For more advice contact Ron on 01782 756995 or go to www.noreus.co.uk