CHIRK'S Cadbury chocolate factory is now using 100% renewable electricity generated in Britain.

Mondelēz International, makers of the UK’s favourite treats including Cadbury Dairy Milk, Green & Black’s, BelVita, Maynard’s Bassetts and Oreo has switched to renewable electricity for all six of its production sites across the UK.

The snack giant is switching to purchased 100% renewable electricity across six sites including their Chirk production site where Mondelēz International processes all it’s cocoa beans to make cocoa crumb. The crumb is then sent to the iconic Bournville factory, the heart and home of Cadbury in the UK, used in the Bournville RDQ centre to create products of the future.

The switch also includes Sheffield factory the home of Maynards Bassetts, Minworth, Marlbrook and Crediton. Mondelēz International has signed a contract to provide all six production sites with sustainable electricity that has been generated solely in Britain.

The transition to 100% renewable electricity sourced within the UK for these production sites means that Mondelēz International can offset the equivalent of 2,900 people’s annual CO2 emissions. This is calculated using the UK government’s findings that the average Brit emits around seven tonnes of CO2 annually.

The UK business joins other Mondelez production sites in using 100% renewable electricity including Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

In February 2020, Mondelēz International announced a new goal to reduce end to end CO2 emissions by 10% by 2025. The new goal is a science based target (SBTI) and a core part of the company’s Snacking Made Right strategy to create a sustainable future for both people and planet.

Louise Stigant, UK Managing Director, Mondelēz International, said: “Using 100% renewable electricity, that is also generated here, across our six production sites is a huge step towards reducing our carbon emissions here in the UK, whilst supporting our global target and our mission to make our snacks in the right way.”

Simon Baynes, Clwyd South, Chirk MP said: “This is a significant step for the region and my constituents who work at the Chirk factory.

"I am passionate about reducing our emissions and so this move by Mondelēz International for Bournville gives me a huge sense of pride.”