How Mars is Targeting Circularity With Recyclable Packaging

Mars, a global leader in confectionery, food and pet care products, is taking considerable steps to address its environmental impact. Mars, which owns brands such as M&M’s, Snickers and Whiskas, operates in 80 countries with more than 150,000 employees.

Its efforts in climate action and circularity have led to it being ranked 40th in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 World’s Most Sustainable Companies.

Mars's strategy is guided by its 'Sustainable in a Generation' plan, launched in 2017. This plan focuses on creating a healthier planet, empowering people and fostering a more inclusive society. Mars continuously evaluates its progress towards the plan's ambitious goals.

Climate action and emissions reduction

Mars has set a target to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 50% by 2030 from a 2015 baseline and aims to achieve net zero by 2050. Mars also intends to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2040.

According to its 2024 reporting, Mars had achieved a 16.4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and 58% of its sourced electricity was renewable.

These reductions could be attributed to the implementation of climate-smart agriculture and efforts to create deforestation-free supply chains. To neutralise its footprint, Mars aims to cover its remaining emissions with high-quality carbon removal credits by 2050.

“Sustainability at Mars is about ensuring we have an increasingly positive impact on society in the areas we are most material to and that are most material to us,” says Alastair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars.

“Challenges remain and progress will not happen in a straight line, but with innovation and collaboration, we’re proving that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand," he adds.

Innovations in circular packaging

A key area of focus for Mars is its investment in sustainable materials and circular solutions for its packaging. Mars states that its products will only be fully circular when the necessary infrastructure for waste management, collection, sorting and recycling is in place.

To this end, Mars is collaborating with governments and NGOs to help bring about this change.

A development in 2025 was the launch of a new mono-material pouch for its Whiskas pet food brand in the UK and Germany. The packaging is designed for recyclability and is compatible with existing or emerging recycling infrastructures.

This change has reduced the carbon footprint of the packaging by 46%.

“We want to contribute to a circular economy where packaging material never becomes waste,” explains Elisabetta Pierangelo, Vice President of R&D at Mars Pet Nutrition.

“The transition to mono-material pouches has required innovative material science and we will continue to encourage innovation in packaging to help build the world we want tomorrow," she adds.

Tackling agricultural emissions and land use

Given its scale, agricultural emissions remain a prominent challenge for Mars. In 2024, Mars supported more than 60 projects utilising climate-smart agricultural practices.

These practices are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, regenerate soil or both across the supply chain.

Land use change is another contributor to its value chain emissions, with deforestation and the conversion of natural ecosystems posing threats to nature and society. Mars is committed to responsible land stewardship and has not expanded its total land footprint since 2015.

To monitor its supply chain, Mars uses geospatial satellite data to track and assess emissions, allowing Mars to trace products, assess deforestation and engage with suppliers.

Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, says: “Resilient businesses that endure the test of time are those that invest to continuously adapt while being mindful of their impact on both people and the planet. At Mars, we take this responsibility seriously, and we believe we don’t have to sacrifice performance to operate sustainably.”