Mondelēz International has announced a significant sustainability initiative for its Cadbury brand, collaborating with packaging leader Amcor to introduce advanced recycled plastic packaging for its core sharing bars. Starting in 2025, the iconic Cadbury Dairy Milk bars, produced in Bournville and Coolock and distributed across the UK and Ireland, will be wrapped in packaging made of 80% recycled plastic—marking a major advancement in sustainable packaging for the confectionery industry.
This new packaging solution will cover around 300 million Cadbury sharing bars annually, utilizing an estimated 600 tonnes of post-consumer recycled plastic each year. The material, sourced through advanced recycling technology, meets food-grade standards and aligns with Mondelēz’s commitment to sustainable packaging. This initiative follows Mondelēz’s 2022 milestone, where its 110g Dairy Milk sharing bar began featuring 30% certified recycled plastic wrapping.
“Our goal is to increase the use of post-consumer recycled plastic across our Cadbury tablets portfolio in the UK and Ireland,” said Louise Stigant, SVP and UK&I Managing Director, Mondelēz International. “This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to sustainable packaging solutions, particularly in flexible plastics, through a comprehensive approach focused on reduction, recyclable design, and infrastructure improvements.”
Through the collaboration with Amcor and Jindal Films, the packaging incorporates Amcor’s AmFiniti™ solution, which utilizes advanced recycling material (ARM) suitable for food-grade applications. The recycled content is certified by ISCC PLUS, and the use of mass balance methodology ensures traceability in the supply chain.
To enhance consumer engagement, each new wrapper will feature a QR code linking to a platform detailing Cadbury’s sustainable packaging journey. Consumers will also find a Recycle Now® locator from WRAP, enabling them to identify local recycling points for packaging materials.
Industry stakeholders and environmental advocates have praised the move. “The public wants to see full circularity for flexible plastic packaging, and Mondelēz is demonstrating what can be achieved with innovative commitment,” said Robbie Staniforth, Director of Innovation and Policy at Ecosurety.
Helen Bird, Head of Material System Transformation at WRAP, emphasized the impact of advanced recycling, noting, “Recycling flexible plastic back into food packaging is challenging, but critical. Mondelēz’s commitment to certified recycled content is a promising step forward.”
Mondelēz’s commitment to responsible packaging is reflected in its broader participation in initiatives such as the Flexible Plastic Fund and the Flex Collect project, which aims to scale up recycling rates for flexible plastic in the UK. As the company works toward a circular economy, it remains a pioneer in the food and beverage industry’s transition to sustainable packaging solutions.
This forward-thinking initiative signals a new era for sustainable packaging in the confectionery industry and positions Mondelēz as a leader in meeting consumer and regulatory expectations for more responsible, recycled packaging solutions.