Mars reduced its annual plastic consumption by 2,868 tons

By: STA Date: 2022. 11. 21. 11:42

One of the world’s largest manufacturers of confectionery, food and pet food has published the latest results of its Sustainability in a Generation plan. Published annually, the report measures the company’s commitment to and progress towards its ambitious, science-backed goals that create positive change for people and the planet. Among the latest results is the reduction of the amount of plastic used for packaging by more than 2,000 tons, as well as a 6.1 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, from 2023, 100 percent of the cocoa used in the company’s European confectionery products will come from responsible sources. Thus, the company reported significant results in its sustainability report.

(Photo: Mars)

Launched in 2017, Mars’ Sustainability in a Generation plan targets key areas of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and sets out ambitious, science-based targets. The plan focuses on three main areas – Healthy Planet, For People and Supporting Well-Being – and aims to improve the lives of people in the communities where Mars sources its ingredients, as well as the lives of the company’s employees, customers and pets. From packaging materials to key ingredients, the company has compiled its key findings in its newly published report.

Transformation of the packaging

Mars recently added a new, independent chapter to its Sustainability One Generation Plan regarding the impact of the used packaging materials on the environment, in which area the company has already made significant commitments. Mars is currently investing hundreds of millions of dollars in redesigning more than 12,000 components used in its packaging in order to use 100 percent recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging. The company’s commitment is emphasized by the fact that from now on the rewards of its 300 senior managers are tied to the fulfillment of these goals. As a result, Mars in Central Europe now uses fully recyclable trays and cans for its pet products, and has also optimized the packaging of its Ben’s Original range. Thanks to the plan, the company reduced its use of plastic by 2,868 tons internationally.

From 2023, cocoa from 100 percent responsible sources in Europe

It also reached a milestone in another key mission of the company’s sustainability efforts, its program supporting the responsible procurement of cocoa. From 2023, Mars will provide cocoa from certified responsible sources for its entire European production capacity. The announcement will affect the production of chocolate products that are also popular in the region, such as Snickers®, M&Ms®, Mars®, Maltesers® and Milky Way®, which will all be made with 100 percent responsibly sourced cocoa from Mars next year. in European factories owned by Wrigley.

Supporting well-being – both in communities and in the workplace

“While most of the objectives of our Sustainability in One Generation plan are defined on a larger, global level, here in Central Europe we also contribute to the implementation of our commitments on a local level by adapting our operations and work processes to our sustainability goals. Our latest results are related to the Mars volunteer program, as part of which our employees volunteered more than 1,300 working hours this year to support the communities and shelters we support,” said Zuzana Losakova, Director of Corporate Affairs at Mars Central Europe.

In addition to supporting volunteering, Mars has also introduced a new type of hybrid work in Central Europe, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions from employees’ commuting, as well as creating animal-friendly offices. The goal of the program is to provide a more balanced work environment for both pets and pet owners.