Chocolate: Firms urged to reduce Easter egg packaging
A Scots MP has drawn up a hit list of confectionery companies who use excessive Easter egg packaging.
Lib Dem Jo Swinson, who represents East Dunbartonshire, named Guylian as the worst offender, followed by Lindt, Bailey`s and Cadbury.
Ms Swinson said the Government was failing to enforce the law, which requires manufacturers to use minimal packaging.
She said Guylian`s Easter egg takes up just 9% of its box. Her research also revealed that Sainsbury`s had the most efficient packaging while Nestle had the only egg whose packaging was 100% widely recycled.
Ms Swinson said: "Consumers are tired of excess packaging - they are tired of paying for it and tired of having to dispose of it.
"Easter eggs are a prime example - in many cases, the huge boxes contain more air than chocolate.
"Last year we saw Easter egg packaging reduced by a third and companies such as Nestle, Cadbury, Green and Black's and Thorntons have made real efforts to cut packaging and improve recyclability.
"However, Guylian, Lindt and others are still producing grossly excessive packaging.
"The Government is clearly failing to enforce the law, which requires packaging to be reduced to the minimum necessary."
Ms Swinson said that some manufacturers have taken steps to be more environmentally friendly.
Cadbury produces "eco eggs" which come wrapped only in foil, as do Lindt chocolate bunnies.
She said Lindt`s gold bunny contains as much chocolate as their medium Easter egg, but with 100% less packaging.
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