Oakland, CA — Many candy companies have trimmed their packaging, but when it comes to foil wrappers, no matter how much they are reduced, they still go to landfills (unless TerraCycle gets to them first).
Two new sweets aim to avoid the trashcan by being using packaging that can be tossed in home gardens or compost piles.
The new line of Ananda dark chocolate bars from Amigos International replaces the foil wrappers that typically cover chocolate with the compostable NatureFlex NK material (left).
NatureFlex is a range of compostable packaging made by Innovia Films. The NK material is a clear film that keeps out moisture, and is t
argeted at the candy sector. NatureFlex is made from wood pulp cellulose, and is certified to European and American standards for composting in home and industrial settings.
The boxes for the chocolate bars are printed with vegetable-based inks and are made with fiber from sources that meet the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification standards. The bars are organic and completely produced in Ecuador.
U.K. chain Marks & Spencer is using a different kind of disposable packaging for its butterfly-shaped milk chocolate praline treats (right).
The packaging is infused with seeds for Candytuft plants (left), which attract butterflies and will grow within a few weeks of putting the wrapping in the soil.
The retailer will start selling the candies this month for Mother's Day and include instructions on the best way to plant the packaging.
Candytuft plant - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ripplestone/ / CC BY-ND 2.0; Product images courtesy Ananda and Marks & Spencer