Marks & Spencer’s Swiss Chocolate Assortment with Plantic 'environmentally friendly' packaging has been selected as one of the winners at the 20th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation.
The Marks & Spencer chocolate box was recognised for its eco-sensitive packaging which demonstrates excellence in sustainability, innovation and quality.
The Plantic® tray inside the Marks & Spencer Swiss Chocolate Assortment offers the unique properties of being: biodegradable after use; home compostable; compostable to European (EN13432) and American (ASTM 6400) standards; and made from renewable and sustainable resources (non-GM corn starch) that are non-toxic to the environment.
Helene Roberts, Head of Packaging, Foods, Marks & Spencer, says the company is delighted to have won this prestigious award for its Swiss Chocolate Assortment tray.
"We chose Plantic® packaging because, in addition to being made from renewable resources, consumers can also take advantage of the excellent end-of-life properties such as biodegradability and home compostability,” Roberts says.
Marks & Spencer’s adoption of the Plantic® tray for the Swiss Chocolate Assortment chocolate box evolved from the company’s aim to reduce waste being sent to landfill.
In January 2007, Marks & Spencer launched 'Plan A', a £200m 'eco plan' which impacts every part of Marks & Spencer’s operations over the next five years.
The plan maintains that by 2012, Marks & Spencer aims to become carbon neutral; send no waste to landfill from its own operations; extend sustainable sourcing; set new standards in ethical trading; and help customers and employees live a healthier lifestyle.
It has been dubbed Plan A because there is no Plan B.
Contributors to this packaging project also include Stäger, Switzerland, who were responsible for thermoforming the Plantic® trays and Chocolat Frey, Switzerland, the chocolate manufacturers.
Chief Executive Officer, Plantic Technologies Brendan Morris says the incorporation of Plantic® packaging in Marks & Spencer’s Swiss Chocolate Assortment is indicative of the company's overarching commitment to the environment.
"Marks and Spencer genuinely aim to use sustainably sourced packaging materials and materials that are easily composted or recycled," Morris says.
“We are delighted that companies such as Marks &Spencer are leading the way in sustainable-driven innovation by adopting Plantic’s bio-responsible packaging.”
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