Nestlé removes plastic from 20 million Easter eggs
February 18, 2009
Nestlé today announces an industry first by removing plastic packaging from the vast majority of its Easter egg range.
The company, which sells one in four Easter eggs in the UK with favourite brands such as SMARTIES®, KIT KAT® and AERO®, has reduced packaging across its entire range by 30%. This move will save at least 700 tonnes of waste, the same weight as 100 double–decker buses.
David Rennie, managing director, Nestlé Confectionery, said: “We’re taking major steps to respond to consumer concerns about excessive Easter egg packaging.
“Consumers tell us that they find plastic Easter egg packaging bulky and difficult to recycle. We’ve worked hard this year to get rid of it where we can and use recyclable cardboard instead. Our ultimate aim is to remove plastic from our Easter range all together.”
Nestlé UK is the first of the large manufacturers to remove the plastic inserts from chocolate eggs – a great step forward in reducing the estimated 4,500 tonnes of waste that Easter eggs generate each year . The move is part of an ongoing programme from Nestlé UK to reduce packaging.
• All small and medium eggs, 80% of Nestlé’s total range, from favourite brands such as SMARTIES®, KIT KAT®, AERO® and MILKY BAR®, will now come in a cardboard basket, which is easily recyclable
• Nestlé is also providing clear recycling information on the back of the boxes to help consumers
• The sweets inside SMARTIES® and MILKY BAR® small eggs have also had their plastic packaging removed
• Because eggs are more compact, the move will save 48,000 road miles in transporting Easter eggs
• The 30% reduction exceeds the WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) industry agreement to reduce medium egg carton weight by 25%
Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat MP and packaging campaigner commented: “The steps taken by Nestlé to reduce packaging in its 2009 Easter egg range show that the company has listened to the campaigners and consumers who are fed up with wasteful excessive packaging.
“This is a step in the right direction, but it is up to all manufacturers to continue finding ways to cut out excess packaging and improve its recyclability. To have a real impact, this packaging reduction must be part of a broader trend rather than a one–off change.”
Liz Goodwin, CEO of WRAP, added: "The work Nestlé is doing to reduce Easter egg packaging will cut consumer waste by 700 tonnes this year. This will make a significant difference to the amount of rubbish going to landfill this Easter and it is good to see Nestlé making significant reductions to packaging while maintaining the product’s integrity and consumer appeal. This work is part of concerted efforts by industry to reduce Easter egg packaging which is something that consumers want.”
Contact for more information:
Nicola.Conron@fishburn–hedges.co.uk
Alex.Pearmain@fishburn–hedges.co.uk
020 7839 4321
