85% OF EASTER EGGS ARE PACKAGING - Goldsworthy

7.19.38am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Apr 2007

Jo Swinson MP and Alison Goldsworthy have demanded packaging is reduced on easter eggs

The Liberal Democrats have released research showing that only 15% of an average Easter egg is made from chocolate.

The main findings are:

• The average volume of Easter eggs was approximately 15% of the total packaging volume, with the worst case being the Lindt egg, which took up just 9% of the volume of the total package.

• The average height of Easter eggs was approximately 60% of the height of packages.

• The average weight of Easter eggs was less than half of that of the average weight of the total egg packages.

• The majority of the Easter eggs were packaged using three separate layers of material - an egg wrapped in foil, in a plastic tray, inside a cardboard box.

• Most of the products also contained extra items within further packaging: chocolates, miniature eggs and chocolate bars.

• Of the 14 eggs measured, 4 gave no recycling information on the packaging, 8 used the standard logo to encourage recycling and in just two cases, was further information related to recycling given on the packaging.

Alison Goldsworthy spokesperson for Cardiff West Lib Dems said

"None of us can escape our environmental responsibilities. Consumers have a vital role to play in recycling, as do businesses and local authorities. However, this is a role that could be made far easier if producers reduced quantities of packaging, unburdening consumers of the excessive amounts of packaging that they take home with their shopping.

"Cardiff's Lib Dem Council have introduced free doorstep recycling across the whole of the capital. Local residents are doing their bit, now it is time for businesses to do the same."

"Tougher action against excess packagers, extended commitments from supermarkets and producers to cut packaging and promotion of good practice among supermarkets must all be part of the Government's plans in the future."

Notes to editors:

1) This research was conducted by Jo Swinson MP who has tabled a motion in the House of Commons calling for action to reduce excess packaging.

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=32511&SESSION=885

To date, Lib Dem MP Jenny Willott is the only MP from a Cardiff constituency to sign up.