Mondelez and Tesco join in trial to reduce plastic packaging on Cadbury products

Mondelēz International, a snack company, has joined forces with Tesco to trial an innovative initiative aimed at reducing plastic packaging on Cadbury Crunchie multipacks, achieving a 60% reduction in outer packaging per pack.

Source: PackagingEurope

This ‘test and learn’ initiative, which will run until early 2026, involves replacing the plastic overwrap on Cadbury Crunchie Four Bar Multipacks available in Tesco stores with stickers. Each sticker not only reduces plastic waste but also features a QR code that links to an online survey, allowing consumers to provide feedback on the new design’s usability. Additionally, the stickers will include all nutritional and recycling information currently found on existing Cadbury Crunchie multipacks.

We’re delighted to be announcing this Cadbury Crunchie multipack trial in the UK which reduces the outer plastic use by 60%. Reducing our packaging and the use of virgin plastic are key pillars in our global ‘Pack Light and Right’ strategy and we know that more sustainable packaging is a key concern of our consumers, which is why we are asking for their valuable feedback on the trial.

^{Joanna Dias, Mondelēz UK Sustainability Lead}

In the previous year, Mondelēz partnered with Amcor and Jindal Films to package approximately 300 million Cadbury sharing bars in the UK and Ireland using 80% recycled plastic sourced from advanced recycling technology. According to Amcor, its AmFiniti solution transforms post-consumer plastic waste into new products, providing a sustainable packaging solution for Mondelēz through a process suitable for food-grade applications.

In June, Mondelēz International filed a lawsuit against Aldi, claiming that the packaging designs of several of its private-label products infringe upon trademarked visual elements and damage the reputation of various Mondelēz brands. The lawsuit asserts that Aldi has “blatantly copied” the packaging of iconic Mondelēz brands such as Oreo, Ritz Crackers, Chips Ahoy, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Nilla Wafers, and Original Premium Saltine Crackers for its private-label products.