The term “litter bug” has been part of mainstream culture for years now, but an innovative take on traditional packaging in the candy industry may change that meaning altogether. Two innovative companies are taking on the task of  making their candy wrapping and packaging truly biodegradable, as in, you can toss the wrapper trash into your home garden or compost pile.

The new line of Ananda dark chocolate bars from Amigo International is now using compostable nature flex NK material to replace the traditional foil wrapper. Its a transparent, high barrier, heat sealable compostable film that provides a moisture barrier using an additional unique clear coating. Made out of wood pulp and cellulose, it is certified to European and American standards for composting in home and industrial settings.

In addition, boxes for Ananda chocolate bars are printed with vegetable-based inks and made using fiber sources that meet Programme for the Endorsement of Certification (PEFC) standards — the world’s largest non-profit non-governmental forest certification system dedicated to Sustainable Forest Management. What does all of this really mean? That candy wrappers and packaging for these particular Ananda chocolates are considered “safe” litter.

Marks & Spencer , a second green-minded company based in the United Kingdom is using a different approach to disposable packaging for their milk chocolate treats. Their materials are infused with seeds for Candytuft Plants to encourages people to plant the packaging after use. The plants sprout flowers within a few weeks of planting and also attracts butterflies – further enhancing the eco-benefits. The candies come with complete instructions for proper planting and will be available for Mother’s Day this year.

Green Trend or Flash in the Pan?

I would love to see more companies following suit and finding ways to make their packaging process more sustainable. Considering the amount of trash created with individual wrapping by the day, think of what could be accomplished with a few changes in process by large food companies. Even better, I would like to see more manufacturing companies create basic alternatives for packaging that can be utilized across multiple industries. It could transform the way we manage our carbon footprint all around the world.

Katrina Pfannkuch
Buzzword Communications, LLC

About the author: Katrina Pfannkuch is a writer, Reiki Master and entrepreneur who lives to write and create. She started Buzzword Communications, LLC to pursue her passion for excellence in communication and satisfy her entrepreneurial spirit. Buzzword is also a participating member of GenGreen.