In case you didn’t know, the average Brit consumes about 10kg of chocolate a year (according to the National Confectioners Association). That’s a lot of wrappers! And, while your chocolate cravings may be satisfied, the environmental impact of packaging is a bit of a letdown. A whopping 87% of chocolate wrappers in the UK are made from non-recyclable materials, often consisting of a mix of foil, plastic, and paper, which ends up in landfill or the ocean. Not ideal for the planet, is it?

But don’t panic—this is where innovation comes to the rescue, proving that sustainability can be as sweet as a Cadbury Dairy Milk (OK, maybe not quite as sweet, but close!).

The Great Wrapper Revolution: Green, Clean, and Mean (in a Good Way)

Sustainability is becoming the buzzword in the sweet industry, and confectioners are starting to take it seriously. The UK has seen a surge in chocolate and sweet brands making a move towards eco-friendly packaging, often replacing traditional plastic with more sustainable alternatives like paper, biodegradable films, and even plant-based materials.

For example, Tony's Chocolonely, a popular Dutch brand with a strong following in the UK, has made a commitment to using fully recyclable packaging by 2025. 

But they’re not stopping there—they're also leading the charge in promoting fair trade and slavery-free cocoa, proving that good things really do come in recyclable wrappers. Then there’s Green & Black's, who have been moving toward more eco-friendly packaging options for several years. They use 100% recyclable packaging for their chocolate bars, and their commitment to sustainability is stronger than the cocoa content in their dark chocolate (and that’s saying something).

And here’s where Happiness Parcels takes the cake (or should we say, the chocolate bar?): they’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainable packaging. Their chocolate bars have always been wrapped in 100% recyclable paper, proving that being eco-friendly doesn't mean skimping on quality or fun. From the very beginning, they’ve chosen paper over plastic to ensure their gifts are as kind to the planet as they are to the tastebuds. What’s more, their cocoa is sourced through the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, ensuring the chocolate is both responsibly sourced and delicious. So, whether it’s a little treat for yourself or a parcel of joy for someone special, you can rest easy knowing Happiness Parcels is serving up sweet treats in the most sustainable way possible. Now that’s a wrapper worth unwrapping!

What Can You Do to Help?

It’s not just about waiting for the confectionery industry to make a change—though their efforts are appreciated, of course. As consumers, we can all make a difference by supporting brands that prioritise sustainability. When in doubt, try these easy tips:

• Recycle like a pro: Keep an eye out for recycling symbols on chocolate wrappers and make sure to dispose of them responsibly. The UK’s recycling infrastructure has been improving, so let’s make the most of it.
• Say no to excessive packaging: Some sweet treats come wrapped in layers upon layers of unnecessary plastic. If you spot one of these, think twice before buying it. After all, it's the 21st century, and chocolate should be the only thing that’s wrapped up tight.

Embrace the green wrapper: Keep an eye out for eco-friendly packaging. If your favourite chocolate brand makes the switch, give them a high five (mentally, if not physically—chocolate and sticky fingers don't mix well).