Easter traditions vary from one country to the next, but one of the holiday’s most widespread symbols is the egg. Representing new life, eggs have been associated with Spring celebrations since ancient times. Their modern incarnation, the chocolate egg, starts popping up on supermarket shelves from January onwards. But this much-loved tradition comes with a downside: the amount of non-recyclable packaging it generates.

Their very shape makes Easter eggs tricky to package. To prevent them from spinning in their boxes, chocolate eggs need to be supported on at least three sides, meaning they are usually encased in plastic. Smaller eggs are usually wrapped in composite foil that is difficult to recycle and can get caught up in machinery. The good news is that brands are working to develop innovative packaging solutions that help cut down on the amount of non-recyclable materials, such as cardboard “egg sleeves'' that can be easily recycled or composted. 

But how can premium chocolate brands uphold their sustainability goals while offering the vibrant looks that consumers associate with festive occasions?

Nissha Metallizing Solutions' food contact range includes metallized chocolate and candy wrap that are 100% recyclable. Metallized paper gives packaging a beautiful, glossy finish and is easy to print and convert, enabling designers to create products that look as good as they taste.