Remembrance Day poppies undergo dramatic green redesign for first time 28 years

25 October 2023 , 23:01

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Remembrance Day poppies through the years (Image: PA)

Royal British Legion bosses are today launching the first-ever ­plastic-free poppies.

The recyclable remembrance symbols are now made from 100% paper, in the first redesign for 28 years. Existing poppies, with plastic stems and centres will still be available as the RBL clears its remaining stock. They can be recycled at ­Sainsbury’s supermarkets. The charity has been working with scientists at University College London for the past three years to develop the plastic-free poppy, as part of its efforts to become more sustainable.

Stars including Dame Joanna Lumley will be showing their backing for the new design. Singer ­Katherine Jenkins has been a long-time supporter of the RBL and was seen wearing a poppy at a Mirror Pride of Britain awards ceremony. The symbol was first used to raise money for veterans in 1921 after the First World War and made from ­hand-crafted red silk with wire stems.

Joanna Lumley sports a plastic-free poppy (PA)

Katherine Jenkins with the new-style poppy (Daily Mirror)

There have been more than 10 versions since, including a ­cardboard “austerity poppy” in the wartime 40s. Royal Navy D-Day veteran John Roberts, 99, from Whitstable, Kent, said: “I’ve been wearing a poppy for more than 70 years, all different versions. But while they have changed, what will always remain is its important meaning.”

Poppy campaign director Andy ­Taylor-Whyte added: “We’re so proud the public can wear this poignant symbol of remembrance with less impact on the environment.”

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