The sustainable move is part of the snack and confectionery company’s extensive global commitment to minimise the use of virgin plastic material in its overall plastic packaging portfolio by 5% by 2025
Mondelēz is set to introduce Cadbury Dairy Milk in recycled plastic packaging in the UK and Ireland. (Credit: Mondelez UK)
Snack and confectionery company Mondelēz International has unveiled plans to launch Cadbury Dairy Milk in packaging made with recycled plastic, as part of its sustainable efforts.
Cadbury Dairy Milk made in Bournville and marketed in the UK and Ireland will be available in packaging that consists of up to 30% recycled plastic.
Claimed to be the UK’s biggest food brand, Cadbury will launch more than 28 million sharing bars in the new sustainable packaging in the next year.
The sustainable move is part of the company’s extensive global commitment to minimise the use of virgin plastic material in its overall plastic packaging portfolio by 5% by 2025, with a focus on constant portfolio mix.
Mondelēz is already using 75% recycled plastic (RPET) content in its Dairylea Lunchables and Snackers packaging in the UK, as well as planning to start using recycled plastic in its Philadelphia tubs and lids from next year.
The company is investing more than £21m per year in technology, resources and recycling infrastructure across the world.
Mondelēz intends to invest more than £215m by 2025 with an aim of creating a more sustainable future for plastics.
Mondelēz International UK managing director Louise Stigant said: “This next step in our journey to reduce our use of virgin plastic in our iconic Cadbury range is a really important one, which I am very proud of.
“We are committed to reducing waste and closing the loop on packaging – keeping valuable materials within the economy and out of the environment. Our increased use of recycled plastic will drive demand for this material and reduce our need to produce new, virgin plastic.”
At the beginning of this year, Mondelēz collaborated with retailers and other FMCG leaders for the financing and launch of the Flexible Plastics Fund.
The fund will support the acceleration of UK recycling rates of flexible plastic via front-of-store collections initially. The inclusion of this material within UK household collections is the longer-term aim of the fund.
Mondelēz is also a member of the UK Plastics Pact, in addition to a signatory of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastic Economy Global Commitment.
In March this year, Mondelez and PepsiCo have agreed to minimise the use of virgin plastic in their packaging.