Mars Wrigley is making strides in sustainability by testing recyclable paper wrappers for its Mars bars. The trial is a UK-first and will be available for a limited time in Tesco stores. After the trial, Mars Wrigley plans to apply their learnings to other trials across the region as a part of their Sustainable in a Generation Plan.
Partnering with Tesco for the pilot project, Andrew Flood, Tesco Packaging Development Manager, expressed his excitement. “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.”
The move is part of Mars Wrigley’s “resolute quest” for a sustainable future. Adam Grant, general manager of Mars Wrigley UK, noted the approach allows the brand to test a significant reduction in plastic use and work towards a viable paper-based packaging solution.
“We’re committed to scaling up viable solutions where recycling options exist and to test, learn, partner and advocate where they don’t,” said Grant.
This trial is just one of the company’s initiatives towards sustainability. Mars Wrigley already made headway by redesigning almost half of its packaging portfolio to make it easier to recycle or eliminate unnecessary materials.
Earlier this year, they launched a sustainable packaging initiative in Australia and New Zealand. Mars bars and Snickers in that region will come wrapped in recyclable paper-based packaging that can be thrown in customer’s recycling bin.
Moving forward, Mars Wrigley intends to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to reimagine and redesign packaging across their extensive portfolio.
As companies seek to reduce their environmental impact, initiatives like Mars Wrigley’s paper wrappers could be a part of the solution. By partnering with other businesses and continuously innovating, they pave the way for a more sustainable future.
