News

Kraft Foods has revealed it has cut 68,000 tonnes of packaging from its products around the world in the past five years.

The announcement comes as the US firm is taking a leading role in developing global definitions for packaging sustainability and completing a takeover bid for confectionery giant Cadbury.

Kraft said the 68,000-tonne (150m lb) savings since 2005 are the result of smarter design and material sourcing as well as work to make it easier for consumers to recycle packaging after use.

The weight loss means the firm is set to achieve packaging reduction targets two years ahead of schedule.

Jean Spence, executive vice president for research development and quality, praised the work done to reduce packaging without compromising product safety and convenience.

"We're finding smarter materials, reducing our footprint and thinking differently about packaging end of life," said Spence.

The firm highlighted the removal of layers from the packaging of its Milka chocolate bars that made them 60% lighter as well as the refill pouches for Kenco coffee that have been rolled out in the UK.

Kraft is co-chairing with Tesco the Global Packaging Project that aims to establish global definitions for sustainability to an end to long-running arguments on packaging's environmental, social and economic impact.

The firm is also awaiting the response from Cadbury's shareholders after the Birmingham-based firm's board accepted its improved takeover bid. Shareholders have until Tuesday (2 February) to respond.

Click here for today's headlines from across the packaging industry