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How one major CPG is taking steps to be part of a sustainable solution

Mars, a privately-owned company of leading confectionary, food, drink and pet care brands, has long been a pioneer of sustainable packaging. But it is also realistic about current limitations, and the roles and responsibilities of packaging.

The Mars company hopes to lead the industry in making more conservation efforts when it comes to sustainable packaging.
The Mars company hopes to lead the industry in making more conservation efforts when it comes to sustainable packaging.

“The world is facing significant challenges like poverty, food insecurity and climate change. Businesses like ours have a significant role to play in tackling these challenges and shaping a positive, sustainable future,” said Colin Yates, Packaging Sustainability Director - Global Petcare, Mars, at the Sustainability in Packaging Europe conference in Barcelona earlier this month.

Supporting the idea of a circular economy, Mars hopes to be “sustainable in a generation,” with the goal of 100% recyclable pulp and paper packaging by 2025, and carbon neutral by 2040.

But conforming to legislation such as Germany’s ban on using recycled paper in direct contact with food products, or the fact that Mars uses almost all packaging material types (40 percent corrugate, 17 percent plastic, 9 percent bleached paper, 9 percent steel, 9 percent unbleached paper, 8 percent glass, 5 percent wood, 3 percent aluminum), prompts Yates to say there is a need to drive recyclability and environmental solutions for every type of packaging, instead of trying to determine which material is better.

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