Brits set to devour 123million Easter eggs this year, new research reveals
The nation will chomp through a staggering 123 million Easter eggs this year, according to research.
A poll, of 2,000 adults, found that from the age of 18, they will munch their way through an average of 165 chocolate Easter eggs over their lifetime, receiving three each year.
With around five million of these being eaten before Easter Sunday.
But 65 per cent think the eggs they receive are excessively packaged, with 17 per cent admitting they won’t recycle the plastic boxes they come in.
And 36 per cent will throw the egg’s foil away into their refuse bin, although 89 per cent will recycle the cardboard boxes the treats come in.
The research was commissioned by DS Smith, which has created a tool for users to calculate how many Easter eggs they’ll eat in their lifetime, how much packaging that adds up to and based on their habits, how much of it actually gets recycled.
Samantha Upham, senior sustainability manager at the international packaging company, said: “Chocolate eggs are a lovely part of Easter.
“While most of these eggs will be devoured on the day, the packaging they come in can have a much longer life cycle.
“Decades of progress have had a huge impact on the amount we recycle, with paper and card the most widely recycled materials in the UK.
“But too much of it is still ending up in landfill and we need to challenge ourselves to do better.”
The study also revealed that of those who don’t normally recycle any of the packaging, 26 per cent said it’s because the recycling instructions on the label are unclear.
While 36 per cent claim they can’t recycle a particular material in their area.
Nearly two in five (38 per cent) said Easter is one of their favourite holidays – purely because of the chocolate – but 26 per cent are left annoyed by the waste accumulated.
Although 22 per cent claim to choose their egg based on the packaging being fully recyclable.
But of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll.com, 34 per cent get confused about what Easter egg packaging can be recycled.
Samantha Upham, from DS Smith, added: “It’s lovely to enjoy Easter treats, but the environment doesn’t need to pay the price.
“Confectionery companies have come a long way to remove unnecessary packaging and make the remaining wrapping recyclable.
“Simply separating card, plastic and foil after your Easter feast means materials have the best chance of being recycled rather than being sent to landfill.
“If you’re not certain what goes into which bin, check out your local recycling rules.”