The first plastic-free and recyclable remembrance poppy is now available as the Royal British Legion launches its annual appeal across Gedling borough today (26)
It is the first redesign of the historic symbol of remembrance in 28 years and is fully recyclable at home.
The poppy is made from 100% paper and easily recycled in household collections. The innovative new design features the iconic poppy shape, with a black centre embossed with ‘Poppy Appeal’, and a leaf with a crease.
It no longer has a plastic stem or centre, and it can be fastened with a pin in the stem, worn in a buttonhole, or a stick-on version is available.
The Royal British Legion says it has been developing the plastic-free poppy for the past three years, in collaboration with expert partners, as it works to reduce its use of single-use plastic and be economical, sustainable, and less impactful to the environment.
It has been created from bespoke red and green paper produced from a blend of renewable fibres from responsible sources, 50 per cent of which come from the offcuts created during the production of paper coffee cups.
Andy Taylor-Whyte, director of the Poppy Appeal, said: “We are very proud to introduce the plastic-free poppy that will not only enable people to support our armed forces community but also continues the Royal British Legion’s commitment to sustainability.”
The launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal marks the start of the national period of Remembrance, when the nation wears the poppy and reflects on the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.
The plastic-free poppy will be available alongside remaining stocks of the current poppy to reduce any waste of poppies already produced, the charity said.
Members of the public will be able to get their poppy – the original version or the new plastic-free version – from volunteers across the borough, or from major supermarkets.
All funds raised from the Poppy Appeal will be used by Royal British Legion to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families in a range of ways, from help with the cost of living, mental wellbeing and housing, to support with recovery after trauma or illness.
