Mars Pilots Paper-Wrapped Mars Bar
Mars Inc. has launched a paper-based packaging for its Mars bar as part of a new pilot test with U.K. retail partner Tesco.
The Mars bars wrapped in recyclable paper packaging will be available in Tesco stores for a limited time. The trial aims to achieve considerable reduction in plastic for these candy bars.
Richard Sutherland-Moore, packaging expert at Mars Wrigley U.K.’s Research and Development Centre in Slough, said in a statement they are exploring different types of alternative packaging solutions for their 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,” he said.
Mars Inc. will use their learnings from the trial launch with Tesco to inform their Sustainable in a Generation Plan and plans to invest to meet its goal of reducing its use of virgin plastics. Mars Inc. is implementing other pilot projects that include the avoidance of unnecessary packaging, the use of recyclable mono-materials, the use of reusable packaging models, and the processing of recycled material in new packaging.
Other companies have also piloted paper-wrapped versions of their chocolate bars as a step to enhance their sustainability efforts, such as Nestle and its KitKat chocolate.
“With our Mars bar pilot project, we are taking a big step to see how paper-based packaging works in everyday life,” said Adam Grant, general manager at Mars Wrigley U.K. “From the test, we will derive insights for our sustainable packaging strategy. 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 innovation comes after the brand gained its Carbon Neutrality status this year through carbon credits and carbon emission reductions. The transition will make 200 million bars per year carbon neutral in the U.K., Ireland, and Canada, according to the company.
“We’re delighted to partner with Mars Wrigley 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,” noted Andrew Flood, Tesco packaging development manager.
