Mars is trialling recyclable paper packaging for its chocolate bars at Tesco stores as part of a new pilot test to explore different packaging options.
Following the trial, Mars says it will use the learnings from the launch with Tesco to inform other trials across the UK as part of the company’s “Sustainable in a Generation” plan.
As part of Mars’ Sustainable in a Generation Plan, the company says it’s investing “hundreds of millions” to meet its goal of reducing its use of virgin plastics by a third in the short term, which includes using less plastic, recycled plastic and alternatives to plastic packaging.
Adam Grant, General Manager, Mars Wrigley UK, commented: “With our Mars bar pilot project, we are taking a big step to see how paper-based packaging works in everyday life. From the test, we will derive insights for our sustainable packaging strategy.
We are taking a big step to see how paper-based packaging works in everyday life.
“While challenges may impact the pace of progress towards our vision, we at Mars Incorporated are committed to scaling up viable solutions where recycling options exist and to test, learn, partner and advocate where they don’t.”
This is one of the pilot projects Mars, Incorporated is implementing this year. The company says its other efforts include avoiding unnecessary packaging, using recyclable mono-materials, using reusable packaging models and processing recycled materials in new packaging.
Along with the paper-packaged Mars bar, the brand’s Carbon Neutrality status is a first for the company in the UK. The company says the neutrality status was achieved through carbon credits and actual carbon emission reductions. The neutrality status was certified by SCS Global and, Mars says, the change will make 200 million bars per year carbon neutral in the UK, Ireland and Canada.
We are exploring different types of alternative packaging solutions for our confectionery products.
Commenting on the pilot, Richard Sutherland-Moore, Packaging expert at Mars Wrigley UK’s Research and Development Centre in Slough, said: “We are exploring different types of alternative packaging solutions for our confectionery products.
“For Mars bar, the challenge was to find the right paper packaging solution with an adequate level of barrier properties to protect the chocolate whilst guaranteeing the food safety, quality and integrity of the product to prevent food waste.”
