CADBURY CHOCOLATE BLOCKS WRAPPED IN 30 PER CENT RECYCLED PLASTIC

Cadbury has announced its Cadbury Dairy Milk, Caramilk and Old Gold family blocks range will be wrapped in 30 per-cent recycled plastic.

The company is using recycling technology to source soft plastic packaging that contains recycled content. Traditionally a single-use material for food grade packaging, the switch to sourcing recycled plastics will see more than 120 tonnes of packaging waste diverted from landfill.

While the new packaging is more sustainable, it looks and feels the same. However, consumers will notice a new on-pack QR code, giving more information on the packaging and how Cadbury is supporting a circular economy for packaging.

Visiting Australia for the first time in four years, Dirk Van de Put, CEO Mondelēz International (Cadbury brand owner) said Australia was leading the way in finding solutions for a circular economy for packaging waste.

“Until recently, soft plastic packaging has been considered a single use material,” he said. “The development of advanced recycling technology and our…investment in recycled soft plastic means it’s now possible for Cadbury fans to enjoy their favourite treats more sustainably here in Australia.

“We started this process by targeting our larger packaging sizes to maximise our impact, but we’re committed to using more recycled plastic in our packaging in the coming years, as access and availability of advanced recycling technology increases.”

“Soft plastic packaging plays an important role – it keeps food fresh, reduces food waste and helps keep products safe. However, Australia currently lacks the ability to recycle soft plastic packaging back into food-safe packaging. Through the AFGC, food and grocery manufacturers are taking the lead in helping to create a circular economy for soft plastics here in Australia,” said Tanya Barden, CEO, Australian Food and Grocery Council.

Cadbury has sourced 120 tonnes of recycled content from overseas, but this announcement sends a signal that there is demand for recycled soft plastic packaging produced locally in Australia.

“This move by Cadbury to use recycled content in their soft plastic packaging demonstrates that demand exists for this material in Australia. This will help give confidence to the recycling and packaging supply chain to invest in Australian advanced recycling facilities that can process this material,” said Barden.