Cadbury has announced its Cadbury Dairy Milk, Caramilk and Old Gold family blocks range in Australia will be wrapped in 30% recycled plastic.
In a world-first for Cadbury, the chocolate-maker is supporting emerging advanced recycling technology to source soft plastic packaging that contains recycled content.
Cadbury says 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, carrying Cadbury’s iconic purple colours and distinctive markers and preserving the chocolate’s taste, texture, and shape,” says the brand. “However, chocoholics will notice a new on-pack QR code, leading Cadbury fans to more information on the packaging innovation and how Cadbury is supporting a circular economy for packaging.”
Visiting Australia for the first time in four years, Mondelēz International CEO Dirk Van de Put says Australia is 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 says.
“The development of advanced recycling technology and our significant investment in recycled soft plastic means it’s now possible for Cadbury fans to enjoy their favourite treats more sustainably here in Australia.”
Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) CEO Tanya Barden adds: “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.”
Cadbury has sourced 120 tonnes of recycled content from overseas, suggesting a 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,” says Ms Barden. “This will help give confidence to the recycling and packaging supply chain to invest in Australian advanced recycling facilities that can process this material.” .
The first Cadbury family blocks to include recycled soft plastic in their packaging have been delivered to major retailers and supermarkets across Australia this week.