2008-04-28 17:52:48 - Montezuma's, the award winning British chocolatier has always made chocolate to a high standard, using quality beans and trading fairly with farmers. The company is now taking its ethical and environmental responsibilities further, by introducing packaging that is 100% recycled and recyclable.

The popular Speciality Bars, which are intriguing combinations of loveliness, have been part of the Montezuma's range since its first production run in 2000. They have now been put into a twelve bar gift box that is totally recyclable, a project Montezuma's have been working on for many years.

The packaging uses biodegradable materials, where possible and includes FSC certified

cardboard, starch based materials for liners and product windows. Montezuma's have also used water-based inks and varnishes in place of traditional UV based products, which ensures the packaging breaks down faster.

Helen Pattinson, co-founder of Montezuma's explains, 'The Speciality Bar Gift Box encapsulates everything that is difficult about packaging chocolate; Making it appear attractive, keeping the freshness in and the flavours intact while not using excessive packaging. Unfortunately a certain amount of packaging is essential which is why we have worked really hard on making sure the packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable. These methods are now being rolled out to all of our packaging.'

Montezuma's emphasises the importance of looking after environment to its employees. The staff handbooks cover many aspects of the business including sections on minimising the company's impact on the environment and how every staff member can make a difference. The company also has a cycle to work scheme, which was started by co-founders Simon Pattinson, who is a keen cyclist. Office manager, Stacey Spears was the first Guinea pig, who was bought a bike last year and regularly enjoys cycling to work, along with Head of Trade Sales - Sarah Crimes, several of the production team and the founding couple themselves!

Montezuma's is really passionate about its impact on the small world it lives in and trades with, and for Monty's this means the environment, its partners, customers, and of course the societies it touches.

ENDS
Notes to editors:
Montezuma's, the award winning British chocolatier make all its chocolate in Sussex and strive to produce inspiring recipes using carefully sourced ingredients. The company has a delicious reputation for infusing unusual flavours such as truffles with tequila, lime and chilli to chocolate bars infused with dragon ginger or pepper.
Montezuma's Chocolates are available online at www.montezumas.co.uk (0845 450 6306), or at one of its six stores across the UK in Windsor, Brighton, Chichester, London, Winchester, Kingston-Upon-Thames and other fine food retailers.

For further information regarding Montezuma's, images and interviews please contact Louise Cox at Honey PR

T: 01223 241770 * E: louise@honeypr.com * W: www.honeypr.com