Mars, Incorporated, in collaboration with UK retail partner Tesco, is pioneering sustainable packaging initiatives with the iconic Mars® bar, presenting it in recyclable paper-based packaging for the first time in the UK. This pilot test marks a major step in the company’s efforts to reduce plastic usage in its packaging and align with its Sustainable in a Generation Plan.
The paper-wrapped Mars bars will be available for a limited time at Tesco stores, following extensive development work and investments by Mars Wrigley UK. The move aims to significantly reduce the amount of plastic used in the packaging of the Mars bar, as part of the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Richard Sutherland-Moore, a Packaging expert at Mars Wrigley UK’s Research and Development Centre in Slough, highlighted the challenge of finding the right paper packaging solution that maintains the product’s quality and safety while preserving the chocolate’s freshness and preventing food waste. This pilot project with Tesco will serve as a learning experience for Mars, helping to inform future trials and innovations in the realm of sustainable packaging.
Adam Grant, General Manager of Mars Wrigley UK, emphasized the importance of exploring paper-based packaging and its potential impact on everyday life. He stated, “From the test, we will derive insights for our sustainable packaging strategy,” reflecting the company’s commitment to advancing environmentally responsible practices.
Mars Incorporated’s commitment to sustainability includes investing hundreds of millions of pounds to reduce its use of virgin plastics by a third in the short-term, focusing on using less plastic, recycled plastic, and exploring alternatives to plastic packaging. As part of this effort, the company is implementing various pilot projects, encompassing measures like avoiding unnecessary packaging, utilizing recyclable mono-materials, incorporating reusable packaging models, and processing recycled material in new packaging.
In addition to the paper-wrapped Mars bar, the brand is celebrating its Carbon Neutrality status in the UK—a remarkable first for Mars, Incorporated. The certification was achieved through a combination of carbon credits and actual carbon emission reductions, ensuring that 200 million Mars bars per year will be carbon neutral in the UK, Ireland, and Canada.
Andrew Flood, Tesco Packaging Development Manager, expressed delight in partnering with Mars Wrigley for this trial, aligning with Tesco’s own strategy to minimize plastic usage and adopt sustainable packaging practices.
With these pioneering initiatives, Mars Wrigley continues to lead the way in sustainable packaging solutions and reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.