…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Mars Incorporated has introduced a new environmentally-friendly packaging for Mars bars, replacing the traditional plastic wrapper with recyclable paper packaging.
This switch is being implemented as a pilot project in Tesco stores, allowing Mars to explore different packaging options.
The company plans to utilize the knowledge gained from this pilot to inform future trials.
Richard Sutherland-Moore, a packaging expert at Mars Wrigley UK’s research and development centre, explained that they are actively exploring alternative packaging solutions for their confectionery products.
The challenge for Mars bars was to find a paper packaging solution that offered sufficient barrier properties to protect the chocolate while ensuring food safety, quality, and product integrity to minimize food waste.
Mars Incorporated is dedicated to its Sustainable in a Generation Plan and is investing significant funds to achieve its goal of reducing the use of virgin plastics by one-third in the short term.
This involves utilizing less plastic, incorporating recycled plastic, and exploring plastic alternatives.
Adam Grant, the general manager at Mars Wrigley UK, emphasized the importance of the Mars bar pilot project in testing paper-based packaging in real-life situations.
Insights gained from this trial will inform the company’s sustainable packaging strategy.
Mars Incorporated remains committed to scaling up viable solutions for recycling options and actively engaging in testing, learning, partnering, and advocating for alternative approaches.
In addition to this packaging initiative, Mars has achieved carbon neutrality for the first time in its history this year through a combination of carbon credits and reductions in carbon emissions.
Andrew Flood, Tesco’s packaging development manager, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Mars Wrigley to trial the alternative packaging for the iconic Mars bar.
This initiative aligns with Tesco’s own strategy of reducing and removing plastic and packaging wherever possible, reusing materials, and prioritizing recycling.