Packed in a 100% recyclable box, the new range avoids the need for the traditional, rigid plastic used in several Easter egg boxes

kitkat-bunny-easter-egg-wide

Nestlé KitKat Easter egg pack. (Credit: Nestlé S.A.)

Nestlé Australia has introduced a new range of Easter eggs with 50% less packaging, as part of its sustainability efforts.

The new range includes brands, such as KitKat, Milkybar, Allen’s Retro Party Mix, Allen’s Freckles and Allen’s Mini Chocolate Raspberries and is available now for A$10.

Packed in a 100% recyclable box, the new range also avoids the need for the traditional, rigid plastic used in several Easter egg boxes.

Nestlé claims that the packaging of its Easter boxes is clocking around just 19%, compared to about 41% packaging weight for the five top-selling boxed Easter eggs of similar net weight in Australia.

Nestle sustainability director Margaret Stuart said: “We want to break the mould that says a bigger pack means a bigger egg. Using less packaging meant carefully considering every detail so we could deliver our Easter eggs in a fully recyclable box.”

“Across Nestlé, we are working to make all or packaging recyclable or reusable and reduce our virgin plastic use by a third by 2025, so getting the details right is critical.

“We need to be innovative. Easter, which sees a significant increase in chocolate gifting purchases, is a key time to shake up the category and start a conversation around packaging.”

The launch of Easter eggs in the new packaging comes after a new research conducted by Nestlé.

The study revealed that only 22% of Aussies admitted to separating Easter egg packaging for recycling, compared to the rest of the year, when 62% commit to sorting their recycling.

The food and drink processing conglomerate stated that the packaging also includes the Australasian Recycling Label to help customers know what bin it has to be put in.

In April last year, Nestlé partnered with flexible packaging firm Amcor to create recyclable paper packaging for Smarties confectionery brand in Australia.