| 19 “Technology has evolved over recent years to the point where packaging alternatives are more widely available.” to page 20 Wellington: Whittaker’s REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Good for taste buds and the planet Karen Phelps Good Honest Chocolate just keeps getting better with local company Whittaker’s making key sustainability commitments that ensure its chocolate not only tastes good but also does good for the community and planet. Whittaker’s chief executive officer James Ardern says that Whittaker’s has a broad programme encompassing a range of sustainable initiatives. For example in 2021 the company trialled compostable packaging after recognising a need for an end-to-end solution. Currently 76.9% of the packaging materials the company uses can be recycled and it’s aiming for all its packaging to be 100% sustainable by 2025. “Technology has evolved over recent years to the point where packaging alternatives are more widely available,” says Whittaker’s co chief operating officer and fourth generation Whittaker, Holly Whittaker. “The landscape changes quickly, so you have to react quickly. Paper materials that we looked at 12 months ago have changed again. “You need to have a flexible testing process that allows you to pivot and experiment. “It’s been a learning curve for us, as it has been for many FMCG businesses both here and overseas.” She says that there are many factors that Whittaker’s need to assess before making any decisions on potential use across the Whittaker’s range. These include any impacts on product quality, performance in the factory and instore, likely at-scale feasibility of collection and disposal of the compostable wrappers, and whether retailers and Whittaker’s Chocolate Lovers have a good experience with the packaging.
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