Cadbury Schweppes commits to packaging reduction

In overall strategy to reduce its net absolute carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2020, Cadbury Schweppes is decreasing the amount of packaging it uses.

The confectionery/beverage manufacturer is reducing its packaging used per ton of product by 10 percent; this figure will increase to 25 percent for its more highly-packaged seasonal and gifting items.

In addition, Cadbury Schweppes vows to use more environmentally-sustainable forms of packaging, aiming for a goal of 60-percent biodegradable, with 100 percent of secondary packaging being recyclable.

"We recognize that if we are serious about tackling climate change, we need to be absolutely committed,” says Todd Stitzer, chief executive officer of Cadbury Schweppes. "We need to work with our people, our peers and partners in our supply chain to reduce the size of our collective carbon footprint—acting as a united force for good".

A major configuration change of Cadbury Snaps in 2006 resulted in a 20 percent-reduction of packaging materials usage per pack; and an increase of 41 percent in the number of consumer units capable of being packed into a shipping container. The company says an effort is currently underway to cut the amount of aluminium foil used in its gum blister-packs by 12.5 percent.