Brits are expected to get through 123 million eggs this Easter, but more than two thirds (65%) say that Easter eggs are excessively packaged.
In our latest research, which surveyed 2,000 adults across the UK, we found that the average adult will eat 165 chocolate Easter eggs over their lifetime, receiving three chocolate eggs on average each Easter, which contributes to an estimated 8,000 tones of packaging each year in the UK.
But whilst the cardboard boxes Easter eggs come in are widely recycled by Brits (89%), over a third (36%) will throw their egg’s foil in a refuse bin, when it could be recycled, and nearly one in five (17%) won’t recycle the plastic box it comes in. Overall, more than a third (34%) are confused about what Easter egg packaging can be recycled.
“Decades of progress have had a huge impact on the amount we recycle, with paper and card the most widely recycled materials in the UK. But too much of it is still ending up in landfill and we need to challenge ourselves to do better.” Samantha Upham, Senior Sustainability Manager. The research showed concern amongst Brits about unnecessary packaging at Easter.
Over one in five (22%) choose their egg based on the packaging being fully recyclable, while more than one in four (26%) are left feeling annoyed by the waste accumulated. Of those who don’t normally recycle any of the packaging, more than a quarter (26%) say this is because the recycling instructions on the label are unclear, while over two thirds (36%) claim they can’t recycle a particular material in their area.
However, Brits will continue to enjoy Easter eggs despite packaging issues. Nearly two in five (38%) say Easter is one of their favorite holidays purely because of the chocolate . Samantha Upham added: “It’s lovely to enjoy Easter treats, but the environment doesn’t need to pay the price. Confectionery companies have come a long way to remove unnecessary packaging and make the remaining wrapping recyclable.
Simply separating card, plastic and foil after your Easter feast means materials have the best chance of being recycled rather than being sent to landfill. If you’re not certain what goes into which bin, check out your local recycling rules.” In the UK, most recycling systems are mixed, allowing materials like paper, plastic, and glass to be disposed of together, which often leads to higher contamination, particularly plastic mixed with paper and card.
In the UK, most recycling systems are mixed, allowing materials like paper, plastic, and glass to be disposed of together, which often leads to higher contamination, particularly plastic mixed with paper and card. DS Smith has previously highlighted the need for separate collections of paper and card, a uniform recycling system across the country, as well as better labelling and consumer education to help improve UK recycling rates.
