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It wasn’t enough for Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo., to launch a “better-for-you” snack for consumers; it wanted to make the snack’s packaging environmentally friendly, too. Containing a full serving of whole grains, zero grams of trans fats and made with sunflower oil, SunChips multigrain snacks feature packaging made with 33 percent renewable materials. Currently, the outer layer of the 10.5oz bag is made with compostable, plant-based polylactic acid (PLA). And by Earth Day 2010, Frito-Lay North America plans to introduce SunChips snacks with all three layers made of 100 percent renewable PLA, making the package 100 percent compostable. At that point, the packaging will decompose in about 14 weeks when placed in a hot, active compost pile or bin, the company says. Additionally, Frito-Lay expects the new packaging to lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the production of the packaging and the elimination of petroleum-based packaging material. (Package design: Hornall Anderson Design Works, www.hadw.com)
