It is estimated the surface area of the foil used to wrap all the Santas produced in Europe is now close to 4 million square metres.
Recycling
According to the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) Santa’s wrapper can also be completely recycled, in particular recycling rates for aluminium packaging in Germany is above 87%.
“Of course the serious business of protecting the chocolate Santa on his journey down the chimney and to his spot under the Christmas Tree is an important reason why aluminium foil is the perfect choice for his wrapping material,” said Marika Knorr, deputy executive director, EAFA.
“He is protected from dust, light, moisture and external odours thanks to the barrier properties of the foil and its deadfold properties mean it is a super-tight fit to ensure the barrier is effective.”
While most images of Santa Claus depict a jolly, portly man with a white beard, thanks to modern printing techniques for foil, Father Christmas can be depicted in his local, cultural attire. For example, Saint Nicholas for his religious origins, Sinterklaas in The Netherlands or Kris Kringle in the US.
Another example is Joulupukki, the Finnish Christmas figure, whose name literally means "Christmas goat" or "Yule Goat".
International sales
All across Europe Father Christmas’s image can be reproduced to be seen in his local manifestation.
Many of these figures are sold internationally, so the bright, colourful wrappers (and what’s inside) bring Christmas joy to many parts of the world.