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Good Honest Chocolate

Packaging

We like to think we could spot a block of Whittaker’s Creamy Milk from a mile off, but there’s more to packaging than how it looks.

Our packaging might be world class in design, quality and food safety, but we need to do better for the environment. So we’ve been re-thinking the future of packaging and what that might look like. Follow our journey as we road test ideas and solutions that bring us closer to circular packaging.

140 trials completed and counting

How many packaging trials we’ve completed since March 2019.

82.51% recyclable

Our total packaging volume by weight that’s recyclable as at March 2024.

Our timeline

2024

Monthly soft plastics collection system begins for our factory soft plastic waste

2022

Launch of compostable individual wrappers for Whittaker’s Cocoa Pods

New Zealand soft plastics recycling for Bars, Slabs, Mini Slabs, Super Slabs, Multi-packs & Squares

2021

Compostable Peanut Slab trial launches in Porirua

2020

Paper Cocoa Lovers Assortment pouches launched

March 2019

Factory trials and shelf-life tests begin

To test sustainable wrapping on our machines and check chocolate remains of the highest quality over time.

2019

Packaging audit completed

76% of Whittaker's packaging is currently recyclable.

2018

Sustainable packaging research begins

Working with our suppliers to discover sustainable packaging options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

82.51% of our total packaging weight is currently designed to be recyclable. But we know we can do even better. Follow our journey to transition to circular packaging as soon as possible.

We source a small amount of specialty beans from Nicaragua and Samoa. In both countries we have a close relationship with the cocoa plantations and their community, and can trace the supply route without assistance. In Ghana the cocoa industry is more complex, so we partner with the Rainforest Alliance to ensure that all our Ghana cocoa beans are sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms.

Our Mini Slab and Artisan Squares are individually wrapped to maintain food safety and quality. But we know there are improvements to make in the materials we use. We have been testing packaging alternatives that are better for the environment and are on a journey to transition to circular packaging as soon as possible.