Easter egg lovers shell out on excess packaging
EASTER egg manufacturers are still using excessive plastic packaging, an MP has warned.
Jo Swinson, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, urged manufacturers to eliminate plastic in next year’s eggs to protect marine life.
The MP for East Dunbartonshire said it was ‘disappointing’ that firms had failed to change their ways as the weight of packaging for the average Easter egg – 22g – has not improved since 2012.
Lindt had the worst chocolate to packaging ratio, at nearly 2:1, with the egg itself taking up less than a sixth of the box, her report Choc Horror found.
According to recent figures, 147.7million hollow chocolate Easter eggs are sold each year, many encased in plastic.
Around one quarter of the weight of the average Easter egg comes from packaging, the report found.
Thorntons and M&S included a non-recyclable plastic bag and Cadbury’s, Mars and Terry’s failed to include proper recycling information.
Miss Swinson said: ‘Most major brands have failed to streamline their packaging and – as was the case six years ago – the evidence points to widespread complacency.
‘If manufacturers truly want to cut the use of plastics they must sacrifice the presentation of their eggs for the presentation of their values.
‘Our oceans are precious – we all need to do our bit to help preserve them.’