Staggering 123m Easter eggs set to be eaten this yr – however there’s an enormous drawback

A survey of 2,000 adults found that from the age of 18, people eat an average of 165 chocolate Easter eggs over their lifetime – but there’s a big problem with the packaging

A staggering 123 million Easter eggs are expected to be consumed across the country this year, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that, starting from the age of 18, people eat an average of 165 chocolate Easter eggs over the course of their lives. Adults typically receive three eggs each year, with around five million being eaten even before Easter Sunday arrives.

The appeal of Easter chocolate is irresistible as nearly two in five confessed that Easter is one of their favourite holidays purely because of the chocolate. However, 26% voiced frustration over the waste it produces.

Over two thirds of respondents believe their eggs are excessively packaged, with many struggling to recycle them properly. Notably, 17% admitted they don’t recycle the plastic containers the eggs come in, while 36% confessed to throwing the foil wrapping into general waste.

The study was commissioned by global packaging firm DS Smith. The company has developed a tool to assist people in calculating how many Easter eggs they are likely to consume over their lifetime.

The tool estimates the total packaging waste produced and, based on personal habits, how much of it will realistically be recycled.

Samantha Upham, senior sustainability manager at DS Smith, remarked: “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 highlighted the struggles some people encounter when trying to recycle Easter egg packaging. Among those who don’t usually recycle these materials, 26% claimed that unclear recycling instructions on the labels are the main obstacle.

Furthermore, 36% reported that certain materials, such as specific plastics, aren’t accepted for recycling in their local areas.

Samantha, 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.”