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GNAW: The Challenge of Sustainable Chocolate

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without chocolate, and when it comes to sourcing some of the finest treats for the season, we’ve partnered with a brand who breathe the Christmas spirit all year long. Meet GNAW, the brilliant British chocolatiers who put ethics and sustainability the heart of everything they do.

Chocolate is undoubtedly one of the world's most beloved treats, but the process of making it can often be shrouded in mystery. Especially when it comes to manufacturing sustainably and the practice of ethically sourcing chocolate ingredients in the industry.

We at GNAW Chocolate take our commitment to sustainability seriously. Our goal is to set an inspiring example in the world of sweet indulgence. In this blog, we'll delve into some of the key aspects that make GNAW chocolate truly sustainable so you can put your mind at ease when indulging on a bar of our exceptional chocolate.

Packaging: Sustainable & Innovative

We understand every piece of packaging counts towards sustainability. This is why we wanted our customers to be able to treat themselves and their plants! We address the issue of waste disposal right from the outset. We make our packaging from compostable paper and NatureFlex foil, allowing our customers to make sustainable choices.

It’s little known just how much packaging is rejected from curbside recycling. Foil-embossing, cardboard coatings or flimsy plastic films are rejected at most facilities. This is why we’ve ensured all our packaging across the board is 100% curbside recyclable. If we can’t make it compostable (yet!) we’ll make it fully recyclable.

We’re not just aiming to meet sustainability standards by implementing these packaging options across all of our products; we're pushing the envelope in the chocolate industry. We understand it's the little choices, like packaging, that add up to make a big difference. So when you indulge in GNAW, you're not only treating yourself to a delightful experience, but you're also making a conscious choice to protect our planet.

No Palm Oil. A Flavourful Choice for the Environment

In a world where palm oil is a ubiquitous ingredient in many chocolate products, we've chosen to take a different path. One that not only enhances the flavour of our chocolate but also safeguards the environment we all live in.

Palm oil is a common filler ingredient used in the chocolate industry. However, the production of palm oil has far-reaching consequences for the planet. It’s often linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the displacement of endangered species from their natural homes. This devastation affects not only the environment but also the indigenous communities that rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.

Our choice to go palm oil-free isn't just about setting ourselves apart; it's a reflection of our deep-seated commitment to protecting the environment. By avoiding palm oil in our chocolate, we steer clear of contributing to the destructive palm oil industry. Instead, we focus on using alternative ingredients and processes that prioritise flavour, quality, and the well-being of our planet.

The result is chocolate that not only tastes exceptional but also embodies our dedication of being sustainable and ethical. Be confident that you're making a flavourful choice for your palate and a responsible choice for the environment with our chocolate. We believe that indulgence should never come at the cost of our planet, and our chocolate is a testament to this belief.

True Traceability, Sustainable Sourcing

Our pledge to ethical sourcing and traceability goes above and beyond to ensure that every bite of our chocolate carries with it a story of ethical practices and responsible origins. In a world where many chocolate brands claim to be ‘bean to bar’ or advocate ‘ethical’ cocoa sourcing, we take an extra step to deliver on our promises. It's not just about the cocoa beans; we understand that true traceability encompasses all facets of cocoa production. This includes all of our ingredients. For example, the often-overlooked sourcing of cocoa butter. Hear that other chocolate brands? You may have ‘ethical’ beans, but where does your cocoa butter come from... While others might cut corners or remain opaque about their sourcing practices, we embrace transparency. We want you to know where our ingredients come from, and more importantly, how they are sourced.

At GNAW, we hold ourselves to the highest sustainability standards, ensuring every step of our cocoa's journey adheres to ethical principles. High level of traceability is a testament. We go beyond the big-name regions and seek out the less-acknowledged yet higher quality sources that often go unnoticed by others in the industry. We believe in supporting smaller, local cocoa farmers, empowering communities, and ensuring fair compensation for their hard work.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed this little insight into some of the challenges we’ve managed to overcome at GNAW Chocolate to produce chocolate that’s not only good for you, but great for the planet. These are only a few of the many ways we’re constantly pushing to improve how sustainable chocolate is made. With GNAW Chocolate you can put your mind at ease and trust that we’re doing everything how it should be done - Sustainable, Ethical, Exceptional.

Step into the Christmas spirit and pick up some treats that aren’t just a treat for the tastebuds, but a gift to the planet, too. Shop GNAW now!