Chocolate Candies: Unwrapping The Plastic Waste Problem

Chocolate and candy are often packaged in plastic, which creates a significant waste problem. Plastic wrappers are usually made from a mix of plastic and foil, which makes them non-recyclable in most municipal recycling programs. While some companies and consumers are trying to recycle these wrappers, the plastic produced is often low-value and does not recoup the cost of recycling. This results in a large amount of plastic waste, with an estimated 600 million pounds of candy consumed for Halloween in the US alone, much of which ends up in landfills or bodies of water. While some alternatives to plastic exist, such as paper, glass, or metal packaging, they may not be feasible for all businesses or consumers. As a result, there is a need for more sustainable packaging solutions in the chocolate and candy industry to reduce plastic waste.

Plastic waste from chocolate candies

Chocolate wrappers are difficult to recycle

Chocolate wrappers, particularly those that are plastic, are difficult to recycle for several reasons. Firstly, they are often made from a mix of materials, including plastic and foil, which must be separated before recycling. This type of packaging does exist, but it is not widely available. The small and flimsy nature of chocolate wrappers means they can easily bypass typical sorting equipment at recycling facilities. They also need to be cleaned to remove grease, oil, and food waste, which can be a challenge. Additionally, when different coloured wrappers are mixed together for recycling, they can result in an unappealing brown colour, reducing their value.

The recycling process for chocolate wrappers can be costly, and the resulting recycled plastic has a low value, making it difficult to recoup the costs of recycling. This is a significant barrier, especially for companies that are not socially motivated to recycle. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging made up 21% of trash going into landfills in 2018, highlighting the magnitude of the problem.

Some companies have attempted to address the issue of chocolate wrapper waste. For example, Mars, the maker of Snickers and M&Ms, distributed candy waste collection bags to consumers, which could be mailed free of charge to a specialty recycler. However, such efforts only make a small dent in the overall problem, and more fundamental changes are needed.

To reduce plastic waste from chocolate candies, some people suggest buying in bulk and using reusable containers or cloth bags. Others propose wrapping candies in small paper bags or using cardboard or paper packaging. While these alternatives may not be feasible for everyone, they can help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from chocolate candies.

Overall, the difficulty in recycling chocolate wrappers stems from a combination of factors, including the mix of materials used, the small size and flimsy nature of the wrappers, the need for cleaning, and the low value of the resulting recycled plastic. Addressing this issue will require a multi-faceted approach, including changes from both manufacturers and consumers, to promote more sustainable packaging and reduce plastic waste.

Alternatives to plastic wrappers

Plastic wrappers are a significant contributor to waste, especially during Halloween when Americans spent a record-setting $3.6 billion on candy that is individually wrapped and thrown away. The problem is that most candy wrappers are made from a mix of plastic and foil, which makes a satisfying crinkly sound but is not recyclable. Even when companies attempt to recycle candy wrappers, they produce such low-value plastic that it doesn't recoup the cost of recycling.

Some alternatives to plastic wrappers for chocolate candies include:

• Paper wrappers: Using paper wrappers with a picture of the product can be a more environmentally friendly option than plastic. However, some consumers may not like this option as they cannot see the actual product.
• Cardboard and foil: Some chocolate bars are packaged in cardboard and foil, such as Lindt and President's Choice.
• Compostable paper/foil: Hu chocolate has switched to a compostable paper/foil wrapper, although there are still bits of plastic tape holding the wrappers together.
• Bulk buying: Buying candy in bulk and using your own jars or cloth bags can help to avoid the candy wrapper dilemma.
• Recyclable packaging: When buying candy to give out, ensure it comes in fully recyclable packaging such as cardboard or paper. Examples include Nerds, Junior Mints, Pixie Sticks, Dots, and Milk Duds.
• Other treats: Instead of candy, consider giving out treats that are not wrapped in plastic, such as seed packets, small wooden toys, pencils, crayons, or drinks in aluminum cans.

Plastic waste from chocolate candies is a problem during Halloween

Plastic waste from chocolate candies is a significant issue during Halloween, with the holiday generating tons of plastic waste from candy wrappers. In 2023, Americans spent a record-breaking $3.6 billion on candy that is individually wrapped and often ends up in landfills or bodies of water. This contributes to the larger issue of plastic waste in the environment, which has severe ecological consequences.

The problem with plastic candy wrappers is that they are difficult to recycle. They are typically made from a mix of plastic and foil, which must be separated for recycling. They are also small, flimsy, and contaminated with food waste, making them challenging to process for recycling companies. While some companies, like Mars, have implemented programs to collect and recycle candy waste, these efforts only make a small dent in the overall problem.

The recycling process for plastic candy wrappers is further complicated by the low-value plastic they produce. The cost of recycling this type of plastic is often higher than the value of the recycled material, creating a financial disincentive for recycling companies. As a result, much of the plastic packaging ends up in landfills or the ocean, contributing to environmental pollution.

To address this issue, consumers are encouraged to purchase candy in bulk or with recyclable packaging, such as cardboard or paper. They can also opt for alternative treats that do not come in plastic packaging, such as small wooden toys, pencils, or fruit. Additionally, consumers can support companies that use sustainable packaging and advocate for more environmentally friendly options.

While individual actions can help reduce plastic waste, it is important to recognize that the responsibility for creating sustainable solutions lies with manufacturers and policymakers. By prioritizing eco-friendly packaging and product reformulations, they can significantly reduce the environmental impact of chocolate candies, not just during Halloween but throughout the year.

Companies' efforts to reduce plastic waste from chocolate candies

Chocolate candies are often individually wrapped in plastic, which is difficult to recycle. While some companies and consumers are trying to reduce plastic waste, the responsibility for change ultimately lies with the manufacturers.

Company Efforts to Reduce Plastic Waste from Chocolate Candies

Some companies are making efforts to reduce the plastic waste generated by chocolate candies. Mars, for example, has taken steps towards reducing plastic waste. In 2016, the company partnered with Dutch company Rodenburg Biopolymers to create bioplastic candy wrappers. However, bioplastics have not yet caught on in the confectionery industry, and Mars' attempts have been limited to Europe. More recently, in 2022, Mars distributed 17,400 candy waste collection bags to US consumers, which could be filled with wrappers from any brand and mailed for free to a specialty recycler in Illinois. The recycler, G2 Revolution, uses the wrappers to create waste bags for dogs. While Mars acknowledges that this initiative only makes a small dent in the plastic waste problem, it demonstrates their recognition of the issue and willingness to explore solutions.

Another company, TerraCycle, recycles candy wrappers in Britain through partnerships with Nestle and Ferrero. They sell zero-waste boxes for candy and snack wrappers, and use the collected materials to create new products. However, these boxes have been criticized for being too expensive for many consumers, highlighting the need for more accessible and affordable recycling solutions.

Some companies are exploring alternative packaging materials to reduce plastic waste. For example, some candies are wrapped in aluminum foil, which is recyclable in some areas. However, it is important to note that foil-wrapped candies still contribute to waste if they are not properly recycled.

In addition to recycling and alternative packaging, some companies are addressing plastic waste by focusing on their supply chains. Chocolate companies are increasingly adopting agroforestry practices, distributing millions of new cocoa trees, and planting trees as part of reforestation schemes. These efforts improve sustainability by reducing the need for fertilizer and pesticide, and by extending the lifespan of cocoa farms.

While these initiatives are a step in the right direction, more fundamental changes and broader implementation are needed to significantly reduce plastic waste from chocolate candies.

The environmental impact of chocolate candies

Chocolate candies have a significant environmental impact, largely due to their plastic packaging. Most candy wrappers are made from a mix of plastic and foil, which makes a satisfying sound when opened but is challenging to recycle. While some recycling programs for this type of packaging exist, they are not widely available. As a result, much of this packaging ends up in landfills or bodies of water, contributing to plastic waste and posing a threat to marine life, such as turtles.

The difficulty in recycling candy wrappers stems from several factors. Firstly, they often contain a mix of materials, including foil, which must be separated. Secondly, their small and flimsy nature allows them to bypass typical sorting equipment, and they can clog machinery if not properly contained. Thirdly, they need to be cleaned to remove grease, oil, and food waste, and their multicoloured design means they can only be recycled into an unappealing brown colour. All these factors make recycling candy wrappers a costly and challenging endeavour, resulting in low-value plastic that often doesn't recoup the recycling costs.

Some companies have attempted to address this issue by providing recycling solutions for candy wrappers. For example, Mars, the maker of Snickers and M&Ms, distributed candy waste collection bags to US consumers, which could be mailed free of charge to a specialty recycler in Illinois. The recycler, G2 Revolution, turns the wrappers into pellets to create waste bags for dogs. However, such initiatives only make a small dent in the vast amount of candy wrapper waste generated, especially during holidays like Halloween, where Americans spent $3.6 billion on candy in 2023, much of which was individually wrapped and thrown away.

To reduce the environmental impact of chocolate candies, some alternative packaging options have been suggested. These include fully recyclable materials such as cardboard or paper, glassine bags, glass or metal jars, and cloth bags. However, the challenge is to find packaging that is not only environmentally friendly but also protects the product from melting and has a professional and appealing look. Some companies, like Tony's Chocolonely, have opted for aluminium foil and paper to wrap their chocolate bars, as the foil is recyclable as long as it is free from melted chocolate.

Overall, the environmental impact of chocolate candies extends beyond just plastic waste. The ingredients used in dark chocolate confectionery, for instance, contribute to a higher environmental impact than sugar confectionery. By prioritising alternative raw materials, product reformulations, and zero waste to landfill, confectionery manufacturers can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

Frequently asked questions