In a United-Kingdom-first, Mars is testing recyclable paper wrappers for Mars bars, making them available for a limited time in Tesco stores. Following the trial, the company will apply its learnings in other trials across the region, all in the name of Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan.
"We’re delighted to partner with Mars to trial an alternative version of their iconic Mars bar packaging — aligning to our own strategy of removing plastic and packaging in our business where we can, reducing it where we can’t, reusing more and recycling what’s left,” says Andrew Flood, Tesco packaging development manager.
This innovative approach allows Mars to test a significant reduction in the use of plastic.
“With this pilot project, we’re taking a big step to see how paper-based packaging works in everyday life,” says Adam Grant, general manager, Mars Wrigley UK. “And while (we realize) challenges might impact the pace of progress towards our vision, we’re committed to scaling up viable solutions where recycling options exist and to test, learn, partner and advocate where they don’t.”
As part of Mars' resolute quest for a sustainable future, the company is step changing its global packaging efforts – working toward a future where packaging is never wasted. Instead, it’s recycled, reused or composted. And it is backing that quest with hundreds of millions of dollars to reimagine and redesign packaging across its extensive portfolio.
From increasing recycled packaging content to exploring innovative alternatives to plastic and modernizing local recycling infrastructures, Mars' materials science and sustainability experts are passionate about designing improved products and recycling systems.
With 12,000 packaging types across its portfolio, it’s a tall and complex order. But the company has already made strong headway, with almost half of its packaging portfolio undergoing redesign to make it easier to recycle or elimination of unnecessary materials.
One such move launched earlier this year in Australia and New Zealand means Mars bars and Snickers in that region will be wrapped in recyclable paper-based packaging (meaning they can be tossed in customers’ curbside recycling bin).
Mars was excited to see another packaging win in the UK and Ireland in October 2022, when KIND snack bar packaging incorporated recycled content made from advanced recycling, meaning it now contains less virgin plastic to previous products. The material has been completely redesigned for maximum circularity and is produced through the recycling of used mixed plastic that would otherwise be destined for incineration or landfill. It means these are also eligible for drop-off recycling in the UK (and curbside recycling in Ireland).
Here are more strides Mars is making to improve its packaging:
The company mentioned in its press release, "In the world we want tomorrow, our planet is healthy. That’s why today, we’re rethinking our approach to packaging – because we believe there’s no such thing as a sustainable product in unsustainable packaging. Learn more about our packaging ambition at Our Plans for More Sustainable Packaging."
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