UK confectionery and soft drinks giant Cadbury Schweppes has said it is to use biodegradable trays for its Milk Tray chocolates sold in Australia.
The trays look like plastic but are made of a water-soluble cornstarch polymer. The material, which was developed in Australia by Plantic Technologies, will disintegrate when saturated in water, but is not affected by humid conditions, reported Reuters.
"There have been some discussions about using...the technology more widely both in Australia and elsewhere. However, all discussions are confidential at this stage," a Cadbury's spokeswoman was quoted by Reuters as saying.
"(The material) dissolves upon contact with water to reduce significantly the environmental impacts of the packaging, whether it goes to landfill via the proper channels or is discarded as litter," Plantic said.
