Montezuma starts shift to green packaging
companies to promote its green credentials by introducing recycled
and recyclable packaging.
Increased consumer concerns about the environment are encouraging confectioners to look at their packing and adopt the greener alternative.
Montezuma, which was established in 2000, says it is " taking its ethical and environmental responsibilities " seriously by introducing packaging that is 100 per cent recycled and recyclable.
The packaging is, in the first instance, being used on its Speciality Bars twelve bar gift box.
The company maintains that it has been working for " many years " to get it right.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed to ConfectioneryNews.com that Montezuma plans to use green packaging for all its products but no indication has been given for the timeline.
Helen Pattinson, co-founder of Montezuma's, said: " The Speciality Bar Gift Box encapsulates everything that is difficult about packaging chocolate; making it appear attractive, keeping the freshness in and the flavours intact while not using excessive packaging.
Unfortunately a certain amount of packaging is essential which is why we have worked really hard to make sure the packaging is 100 per cent recycled and recyclable."
According to the company, where possible its packing is biodegradable, and uses FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified cardboard, which is sustainable pulp.
Starch based materials are used for liners and product windows because again it is biodegradable and sustainable.
Water-based inks and varnishes are used in place of traditional UV based products to ensure the packaging breaks down faster.
The company ethical credentials actually go beyond just packaging, as it states: "
Montezuma is really passionate about its impact on the small world it lives in and trades with, and for Monty's this means the environment, its partners, customers and of course the societies it touches ."
The company says that it uses quality beans and trades fairly with farmers.
In addition to offering more conventional flavours the company creates some unusual ones such as truffles infused with chilli and chocolate bars infused with pepper.
The green trend Montezuma is by no means the only confectionery company unveiling green shades for its packaging.
Innovia Films, which makes a biodegradable packaging material used for confectionery products called NatureFlex, said earlier this month that sales are going from strength to strength.
Innovia also says it is seeing increased sales to mainstream customers such as Sainsbury's and Tesco and the packaging is being used for a broader range of products.
