Unite Condemns Cadbury’s Eco-eggs Packaging Claimsing

Unite the Union has judged Cadbury’s launch of ‘eco eggs’ as ‘green-washing’. The confectionery giant has unveiled a range entitled ‘Treasure Eggs’ that will come foil wrapped as opposed to being sold in a box. Cadbury’s has stated the change in manufacturing is aimed at reducing the amount of plastic by 75% compared to traditional eggs.

However, Unite the Union said the company is proceeding with its plans to close its Somerdale Chocolate factory and export the work to Poland.

Unite added that this plan will add seven million extra miles that products such as Fudge, Crunchie, Curly Wurly, Milk Tray and Fry’s Turkish delight have to travel

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Cadbury stated that the reductions in waste as a result of launching ‘Treasure Eggs’ are part of its overall response to the challenge of climate change. Under its environmental strategy the company has pledged to reduce packaging of seasonal and gifting items by 25% by 2010 and has also promised to cut its net absolute carbon emissions by 50% by 2020.

Unite highlighted the fact that currently 98% of chocolate made at Cadbury’s Somerdale factory is consumed within the UK. At present, it takes six hours for a chocolate bar to be made at Somerdale, transported and then made available for sale.

According to Unite, the closure ends a 200-year history and will result in 500 job losses.
Unite, national organiser, Brian Revell commented: “Cadbury’s attempts to make their ‘purple go green’ has just left them with egg on their faces. Cadbury’s are publicising their eco-egg in an attempt to look green, but they’re planning to export the manufacture of some of the UK’s most famous chocolate bars to Poland adding seven million extra food miles.”

www.cadbury.co.uk