Mars' Recyclable Packaging: Building Circular Supply Chains

With a global supply chain in food, confectionery and pet care, Mars faces major environmental challenges, but it is addressing its footprint with a dedicated sustainability strategy.

Its focus on implementing climate action and circularity directly into its value chain is why it has been ranked 40th in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 sustainable companies.

Mars' 'Sustainable in a Generation Plan', from 2017, provides the framework for these changes, setting out targets for a healthier planet and a more inclusive society.

Mars continuously measures its performance against these goals, seeing sustainability as key to its long-term business and supply chain resilience.

Reducing emissions across the value chain

A central pillar of the Mars strategy is aggressive decarbonisation targets, with a dedication to cutting greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 50% by 2030, against 2015 levels.

The ultimate goal is to achieve net zero by 2050 - according to its 2024 reporting, it had achieved a 16.4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel, Mars aims to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2040, having reached 58% by 2024.

These reductions are pursued through programmes focused on climate-smart agriculture and developing deforestation-free supply chains.

Alastair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars, says: “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.”

“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.”

Circular packaging and supply chain innovation

Packaging waste is a significant issue for a fast-moving consumer goods company like Mars. As a result, it has invested heavily in circular solutions to mitigate its impact.

Mars acknowledges that product circularity depends on external factors like waste management and local recycling infrastructure. It is collaborating with governments and NGOs to help develop these systems.

A tangible outcome is the 2025 launch of a new mono-material pouch for its Whiskas pet food brand in the UK and Germany. This redesigned, recyclable packaging 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 drive innovation in packaging to help build the world we want tomorrow.”

Land use and supply chain transparency

For a company reliant on agricultural raw materials, supply chain emissions remain a prominent challenge. Land use change, including deforestation, threatens ecosystems and contributes to Mars’ value chain emissions.

To address this, Mars is using technology to increase visibility across its operations. It plans to use geospatial satellite data to monitor its supply chains, track land use and assess deforestation risks.

This technology allows Mars to trace products, engage more effectively with suppliers on sustainability metrics and scan for compliance with changing regulations.

Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, adds: “Resilient businesses that endure the test of time are those who 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.”

By embedding these practices, Mars aims to build a more adaptable and responsible supply chain.