Comic Relief launches plastic-free red nose for 2021 after campaign by schoolchildren

Pupils across the UK urged the charity to create a ‘greener' red nose

Comic Relief has announced that from 2021 its iconic red noses will be plastic-free for the first time.

The new noses will be made from bagasse, a natural by-product of sugar cane, and took more than 18 months to create.

The charity, which “strives to create a just world free from poverty”, made the change after it received letters and emails from hundreds of children across the UK asking them to create a plastic-free version of the nose to help reduce single-use plastic waste and protect the environment.

While Comic Relief said it had been thinking about the issue already, it added that hearing the voices of the nation’s children encouraged it to step up a gear with its sustainability plans.

One school, Fourlanesend Community Primary School in Cornwall, even received the backing of Sir David Attenborough after they wrote to him and shared their alternative red nose suggestions.

Sir David responded with a handwritten letter which said: “You are perfectly correct to revise the question of replacing plastic products wherever we can, and I hope you get an adequate answer from Comic Relief.”

Comic Relief's co-founder Richard Curtis praised the children for their campaign, stating that they “definitely made a difference”.

“There is absolutely no doubt that a bit of tactical nudging by some passionate kids definitely made a difference,” he said.

Two school children from Fourlanesend Community Primary School, Cornwall, after being presented with one of the designs for the official 2021 Red Nose (PA)

“That's a good thing and what we would hope of people who support Comic Relief.”

Ruth Davison, Comic Relief chief executive, added that the charity is “firmly committed” to reducing single-use plastic.

“Our red noses are very popular, and we have been determined to create a more sustainable plastic-free version for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

“We know that making small changes can make a big environmental difference and I'm so pleased that school pupils across the UK have championed our decision to ditch plastic and deliver a ‘greener' red nose.”

The move has been welcomed by many including Sian Sutherland, co-founder of A Plastic Planet, who said: “It's great that the iconic Comic Relief Red Nose is no longer made from indestructible plastic that will exist for centuries after this fundraising day is over.

The ten designs for the official 2021 Red Nose (PA)

“This is a big step forward and we hope it doesn't end here. We need Comic Relief to continue to lead others, taking responsibility by making Red Nose Day wholly sustainable, banishing anything plastic and single-use to the past.”

The 18th Red Nose Day will take place on Friday 19 March 2021. The new noses will be available to buy from January 2021 and will feature 10 different animal characters, including a squirrel, fox and badger.

Schools can sign up to pre-order red noses here.