The research found that the average adult will eat 165 chocolate Easter eggs over their lifetime
Brits are expected to get through 123 million eggs this Easter, but more than two thirds (65%) say that Easter eggs are excessively packaged, according to new research. The research, which surveyed 2,000 adults across the UK, found that the average adult will eat 165 chocolate Easter eggs over their lifetime, receiving three chocolate eggs on average each Easter, which contributes to an estimated 8,000 tonnes of packaging each year in the UK.
But whilst the cardboard boxes Easter eggs come in are widely recycled by Brits (89%), over a third (36%) will throw their egg’s foil in a refuse bin, when it can be recycled, and nearly one in five (17%) won’t recycle the plastic box it comes in. Overall, the research from DS Smith found more than a third (34%) are confused about what Easter egg packaging can be recycled.
DS Smith’s Samantha Upham said: “Chocolate eggs are a lovely part of Easter, with 165 of these treats consumed over the average Brit’s lifetime.
“Whilst most of these eggs will be devoured on the day, the packaging they come in can have a much longer life cycle. Decades of progress have had a huge impact on the amount we recycle, with paper and card the most widely recycled materials in the UK. But too much of it is still ending up in landfill and we need to challenge ourselves to do better.”
The research showed concern amongst Brits about unnecessary packaging at Easter. Over one in five (22%) choose their egg based on the packaging being fully recyclable, while more than one in four (26%) are left feeling annoyed by the waste accumulated.
Of those who don’t normally recycle any of the packaging, more than a quarter (26%) say this is because the recycling instructions on the label are unclear, while over a third (36%) claim they can’t recycle a particular material in their area.
However, Brits will continue to enjoy Easter eggs despite packaging issues. Nearly two in five (38%) say Easter is one of their favourite holidays purely because of the chocolate.
Upham added: “It’s lovely to enjoy Easter treats, but the environment doesn’t need to pay the price. Confectionery companies have come a long way to remove unnecessary packaging and make the remaining wrapping recyclable. Simply separating card, plastic and foil after your Easter feast means materials have the best chance of being recycled rather than being sent to landfill. If you’re not certain what goes into which bin, check out your local recycling rules.”
Top tips for recycling your Easter packaging
- Separate the materials – Easter egg packaging often includes a mix of cardboard, plastic, and foil. Make sure to check the back of the packaging to see what materials are recyclable and separate them before disposal, as it makes recycling much more efficient.
- Recycle the cardboard – The outer boxes and any inserts made of cardboard are almost always recyclable, so make sure this doesn’t end up in landfill. You can flatten them before placing them in your recycling bin to save space for other materials.
- Scrunch and recycle foil – Research shows that consumers are least likely to recycle their Easter egg foil but it many cases it can be put in with your recycling. If your council does, you can scrunch it into a ball in your recycling bin, so bits don’t get lost during sorting at the recycling centre.
- Reuse or get creative – Before you toss anything from your Easter packaging, think: can this be reused for crafts, storage, or gift wrapping? Clear plastic casings can be handy for storing little keepsakes, and colourful foil can be great for decorations or art projects.
- Recycling rules – Make sure to check your local recycling rules and bin collection schedules this bank holiday as they can differ across different regions in the UK.
In the UK, most recycling systems are mixed, allowing materials like paper, plastic, and glass to be disposed of together, which often leads to higher contamination, particularly plastic mixed with paper and card.
Despite being the third largest producer of paper and card waste in Europe, the UK ranks 25 th out of 30 for recycling performance, with fewer than two-thirds of Brits trusting that their paper and card waste is properly processed. DS Smith has previously highlighted the need for separate collections of paper and card, a uniform recycling system across the country, as well as better labelling and consumer education to help improve UK recycling rates.
