Endangered Species Chocolate claims industry first with ocean plastic neutral status
Endangered Species Chocolate at lat year's Sweets & Snacks Expo. Pic: Neill Barston
US premium confectionery brand, Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC), has claimed what is believed to be a sector first in becoming certified as ocean plastic neutral, after linking-up with non-profit organisation 4-Ocean, focused on water-based clean-up operations, reports Neill Barston.
The business has been a regular exhibitor at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, which this year returned to Indianapolis in America, with the company continuing to promote its core agenda of sustainably sourcing its product ranges.
As the business explained, while 90% of ESC’s products are recyclable, the production stream still results in 19,000 pounds of non-recyclable plastic. To address this, the has teamed up with 4ocean to pull 19,000 pounds of plastic from oceans and waterways, ensuring that for every pound of plastic they produce, an equivalent amount is removed from the environment. This initiative not only helps reduce marine plastic pollution but also contributes to the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems.
This year has seen the Indianapolis-based business expand its ranges including new seasonal shape launches for the first time in the seasonal gifting space with Hello Spring Mix, Not So Spooky Mix and Merry Mix launching throughout 2024. All ESC chocolate is Fairtrade, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, kosher, and the dark chocolate products are also vegan.
Furthermore, the company recently celebrated a key milestone last year for its 30th anniversary, having started out in 1993 as a modest chocolate venture with a strong ethos. From there, it has built-up into a national venture with 10% of annual net profits being donated to conservation efforts around the globe.
Speaking on its latest collaboration with 4-Ocean, the company said: “For every pound of plastic used in our production stream, one pound is removed from oceans, rivers, and coastlines by 4ocean. This targeted approach directly addresses plastic pollution in our marine environments, removing debris that harms marine life and ecosystems. By supporting these efforts, we help ensure cleaner, healthier oceans, contributing to the long-term sustainability or our planet’s marine habitat.”
