Cadbury eco-egg labelled 'green-washing'

Cadbury's launch of a new range of chocolate eggs wrapped only in foil without cardboard packaging have been criticised as an example of 'green-washing' by a leading trade union.

The Birmingham-based confectionary manufacturer unveiled the new products yesterday (February 19th), claiming that it will use 75 per cent less plastic and 65 per cent less cardboard.

However, the company's efforts at sustainability have been slammed by Unite, who have sought to highlight the potentially damaging effects of separate plans by Cadbury's to close their Somerdale factory and move the work to Poland.

"Cadbury's attempt to make their 'purple go green' has just left them with egg on their faces," argued Unite national organiser Brian Revell.

"Cadbury's are publicising their eco-egg in an attempt to look green. But they're planning to export the manufacture of some of the UK's most famous chocolate bars to Poland adding seven million extra food miles."

Cadbury is set to close its Somerdale factory by 2010, with a further 200 jobs to be lost at its Bournville plant in Birmingham. ADNFCR-1231-ID-18474326-ADNFCR