Packaging
I would like to talk to you about the packaging for my chocolates.
The packaging is really important and I am really trying to use environmentally friendly, reusable, recyclable or biodegradable materials. We are all now very aware of how our beautiful planet is at risk of being suffocated by plastic waste. The trouble we face when trying to sell products is to enable customers to see what they are buying; however, this does make it trickier to use all recyclable materials for packaging. Because my packaging is mostly eco, it comes at a higher price which is reflected in the final cost.
When starting my business, I was unaware that biodegradable cellophane was an option and so purchased a roll of normal cellophane….oh silly me! My aim is to use this up as I don’t like to waste things and afterwards, I will buy a more environmentally friendly one. These are made from wood, cotton or hemp, and as such is biodegradable and compostable but not recyclable. Biodegradation will only be initiated in a soil, compost, or waste-water environment where micro-organisms are present so needs to end up in a landfill rather than recycled. Still not perfect…..if I find a better solution I will do.
Chocolate Packaging: The Chocolate Shards I offer are packaged in reusable pouches which are great as they have a seal which locks in moisture. I have reused these pouches for all kinds of things like; fresh herbs, opened pet food pouches, loose tea leaves, excess of grated cheese etc.
Cocoa Shell Box: I was delighted when I stumbled across these lovely boxes, they were designed by James Cropper who developed a bio-recyclable paper packaging partially made from the husks of cocoa beans supplied by Barry Callebaut. The cocoa shell paper is predominantly made up of unbleached cellulose fibre, with cocoa shell representing 10% of the fibre content which is made from 25% recycled cocoa shell. This is recyclable, biodegradable and plastic-free!
These boxes can be used with a lid made with the same material but I needed to be able to display my product online using a clear lid for all to see (you can find the Orange Slices in this box.) However, I would obviously like to replace this with something more environmentally friendly, so will keep looking. It’s always a problem trying to achieve a balance.
Interesting Fact: Previously cocoa husks can be used in gardens for decorative purposes and to add nutrients into the soil and suppress weeds like you would with old coffee grounds.
Postal Packaging: To protect the chocolates when posting, I am using what’s known as Eco Nuts. These are made from starch and are odourless, dust-free and about half the weight of other starch-based loose-fill products. Eco Nuts are biodegradable, compostable, reusable/disposable and dissolve in water.
I use RAJA postal boxes, which are shockproof high-quality rigid flute corrugated board. This provides strength and protection, and are easily closed. The chocolates survive better in a box rather than in a jiffy bag. They are 100% recyclable and on average their boxes are made from a minimum of 75% recycled fibres. If you book an Experience with me, I use white paper carrier bags which are also recyclable.
In conclusion, where possible I try to be environmentally friendly, though it does come at a cost, I would rather help our planet than clutter it up with unwanted plastic. If you have any ideas on environmental packaging issues, I would love to hear from you.
