Roses chocolates ditch the tin in favour of cardboard

A tin of Roses chocolates, a Christmas treat in many households, will become a cardboard box this year as the manufacturer attempts to cut down on the packaging.

By Harry Wallop, Consumer Affairs EditorPublished: 7:00AM GMT 04 Nov 2009
Cadbury, the manufacturer of Roses, hopes to save 200 tons of steel as a result of moving its chocolates from its round 2lb tins into square, sturdy cardboard boxes. It also aims to cut the total weight of its packaging by 45 per cent, ultimately saving on transportation costs.
Initially the move into cardboard will take place at Tesco stores, but if consumers accept the change, Cadbury will abandon tins altogether.

Roses chocolates, first sold in 1938, are the biggest selling line of confectionery at Christmas, with an estimated £85 million of them sold.
However, while the boxes will save the company money, consumers will not see any reduction in the price. A 2lb tin at Tesco will still cost £5.
Jo Grice, head of marketing for Cadbury's seasonal ranges, said: “We know from our research that many of our consumers are dreaming of a green, not white, Christmas this year. Introducing an environmental twist on a festive favourite – Roses and Heroes tins – will help us to meet shoppers’ ethical concerns whilst still delivering those magical moments of pleasure this Christmas. And they are far easier to wrap."
The move follows a series of initiatives by chocolate manufacturers to cut down on their packaging. They have previously been accused of being responsible for some of the most excessive use of plastic wrapping, especially in their Easter eggs.
Mark Barthel, at the Government-funded waste reduction quango WRAP, said: “Over the festive season, when the amount of waste sent to landfill increases significantly, it’s good to see Cadbury and Tesco working together to help consumers and the environment.”