US – American multinational manufacturer of confectionery and pet food, Mars has partnered with Berry Global to develop snack jars made with recycled plastic content.
Manufactured with a single-pellet, food-grade resin, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) jars are claimed to contain 15% post-consumer resin (PCR).
The jars come in sizes of 60oz, 81oz and 87oz, with each size offering the same look and feel. These jars are expected to remove around 300t of virgin plastic a year.
In addition, the 81oz and 87oz jars each weigh 10g less, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 374t.
Berry Global North America consumer packaging EVP and General Manager Brian Hunt said: “By leveraging our material science expertise and technical resources, we proactively created a solution for Mars without disruption to product performance.
“Through partnerships and creative thinking such as this, customers look to Berry for unique solutions to their sustainability challenges.”
The lighter-weight jars will be introduced for Mars’ M&M’s, Skittles and Starburst brands later this month.
The investment in packaging is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Mars Wrigley North America research and development (R&D) Vice-President Justin Comes said: “At Mars, we want to contribute to a circular economy where packaging material never becomes waste, but is recycled, reused or composted.
“We have set an aggressive, science-based strategy to innovate our packaging and this change to 15% PCR for these large-format jars is a significant step towards a more sustainable future.”
Starburst All Pink biometric fingerprint packaging
Meanwhile, Mars has released a Starburst “Un-Shareable” packaging innovation for its All Pink candies, which includes a personal biometric fingerprint technology manufactured in partnership with Mycube Safe.
Each All Pink Un-Share pack is secured by a biometric sensor, so only one person can unlock and access the candy inside, reports PackagingInsights.
“Created in partnership with Mycube Safe and its biometric technology, the limited-edition safe can only be opened using your unique fingerprint,” said a spokesperson from Mars.
Mycube is a third-generation family business known for manufacturing secure home safes. Developed exclusively for the Mars Starburst campaign, the boxes come in a pink color personalized to the brand.
The Mycube safes are made of reinforced steel and tamper-proof door bolts. These features make the Starburst safe and reusable for long-term storage purposes.
The packs are not intended to be sold on supermarket shelves – consumers can enter a chance to win the box on the Starburst website until October 7.
The All Pink Un-shareable pack builds on the consumer-generated “You Are A Pink Starburst” movement.
“Starburst is on a mission to celebrate a ‘me-first’ mentality that promotes prioritizing one’s needs and appreciating everything that makes each unique,” concluded the spokesperson.
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