Sustainability, Fair Trade & Recycling in Action

Sustainability & Ethics -

Sustainability, Fair Trade & Recycling in Action

At Chocolat Michel Cluizel, crafting chocolate isn’t just an art—it’s an ethical promise. Since 1948, the Cluizel family has led the industry not just in flavor, but in responsibility. From sourcing beans to packaging, every step reflects a measurable commitment to the planet, to cocoa-growing communities, and to future generations.

🌱 Sustainable Farming Across 7 Exclusive Plantations

Cluizel works exclusively with 7 single-estate plantations across 6 countries, including:

These plantations are chosen not only for their terroir but for their commitment to sustainable agriculture. Here’s what that looks like in numbers:

  • 100% of Cluizel plantation chocolates are from non-GMO beans

  • Over 70% of plantations (e.g., Mokaya, Los Anconès) are certified organic

  • 0 synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used at organic-certified sites

  • All 7 plantations use shade-grown methods, preserving biodiversity and protecting soil quality

  • On-site fermentation at origin is monitored to optimize quality and reduce spoilage waste

By investing in these farms, Cluizel supports reforestation, soil health, and low-impact farming in vulnerable tropical regions.

🤝 More Than Fair Trade: Transparent, Direct Partnerships

Cluizel does not rely on third-party commodity brokers or anonymous bulk trading. Instead, we engage in direct trade relationships—building multi-year agreements based on collaboration and fairness.

  • 30–40% higher than fair trade market price is paid for Cluizel cocoa

  • 0 middlemen involved—ensuring that payments go directly to farmers and cooperatives

  • Annual quality visits and in-person fermentation training help farms achieve both yield and flavor excellence

  • Many partner farms, such as Mangaro and El Jardín, have seen income increases and improved post-harvest infrastructure due to Cluizel’s long-term investment

This is chocolate built on mutual trust, not exploitation.

♻️ Waste Reduction & Recycling in Production

At the Cluizel chocolate factory in Damville, Normandy, sustainability continues through environmentally responsible manufacturing:

  • Over 95% of cocoa husks are reused as agricultural compost or energy biomass

  • Recycling systems capture and reuse packaging materials throughout production

  • LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment reduce annual energy consumption by 12%

  • Wastewater treatment systems allow up to 60% of process water to be reused

Packaging

  • Over 80% of Cluizel packaging is recyclable or compostable Cluizel continues to invest in eco-design as part of its goal to become a low-impact luxury chocolate maker.

🍫 Noble Ingredients = Cleaner Labels

All Cluizel chocolates carry the “Ingrédients Nobles” guarantee, ensuring:

  • 0 artificial flavors or colorants

  • 0 soy lecithin, a common emulsifier with environmental sourcing concerns

  • 100% traceable cane sugar and Bourbon vanilla pods

  • 100% real cocoa butter—no vegetable fat substitutes

Consumers can be confident that what they’re tasting is as pure as it is ethical.


Summary: The Impact in Numbers

Initiative Metric
Partner Farms 7 exclusive single-estates
Fair Pricing 30–40% above fair trade
Organic Certified 70% of plantations
Recyclable Packaging 80%+
Energy Reduction 12% in factory operations
Compost/Reused Cocoa Shells 95%
Artificial Ingredients 0%


Taste That Does Good

When you enjoy Cluizel chocolate, you support:

✅ Organic farming
✅ Fair, direct trade
✅ Ethical labor
✅ Recycling and energy savings
✅ No artificial additives

This is not just indulgence—it’s impact. Chocolate, as it should be: honest, exquisite, and built to last.


Discover responsibly crafted chocolate at cluizel.us
And take pride in every bite.


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