An environmental cut above the rest
Nestlé’s York factory, which makes over a billion Kit Kats and 183 million Aero bars each year, has achieved zero waste status four years ahead of schedule.
The manufacturer claims the move has resulted in substantial savings from landfill tax and a 70% reduction in the number of skip lifts required, while it also managed to generate revenue by selling nearly 800 tonnes of recovered materials. Following the setting of sustainability targets in September last year, the company has also slashed water use across the UK and Ireland by 36% and reduced packaging used in Easter Eggs and Christmas selection boxes.
I’m pleased to see the announcement, especially as its Kit Kat brand faced criticism over its palm oil policy last year. It subsequently amended its palm oil policy and has highlighted the zero waste status as evidence of its commitment to sustainable business practices.
So, for today, I will change my tea-dipped digestive biscuits (see the UK biscuit report from Sainsbury’s) for a well-earned Kit Kat, to be eaten with a clear conscience.
All the best,
Katrine Kjoeller, Editor
Sweets & Snacks Europe
