The poppy has had a makeover for the first time in almost 30 years – and will be eco-friendly. The remembrance symbols will be made from 100 percent paper and will no longer have a plastic stem.

The Royal British Legion, which sells the poppies for its veterans’ fighting fund, has been developing the eco option for three years.

The charity’s Andy Taylor-Whyte said: “We have been able to eliminate single-use plastic and create a poppy that is an enduring symbol of respect and remembrance as well as being more planet-friendly.”

The poppy has been created from paper produced from a blend of renewable fibres, 50 per cent of which has been recovered from the waste used in the production of coffee cups.

It can be fastened with a pin in the stem, or worn in a buttonhole. A stick-on version is available.

The RBL worked with University College London to ensure its sustainability.

Professor Paola Lettieri, of UCL, said: “By replacing the single-use plastic with a paper-based design, and increasing the amount of recycled paper used, the new poppy has a 40 per cent smaller carbon footprint.”

The charity, supporting thousands of Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families, hope that the drive will encourage more people to back the appeal. It will be available from October 26.

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