Mars UK pledges to cut unnecessary packaging and strengthen ESG partnerships

UK – Mars UK has become the first major consumer packaged goods (CPG) company in the UK to adopt the Social Value TOM System, a comprehensive framework that measures social, environmental, and economic contributions.

This system goes beyond traditional GDP metrics, enabling Mars to assess its broader impact on the UK economy through initiatives focused on decarbonization and reducing its environmental footprint.

The 2023 Mars UK Social Value Report highlights the company’s efforts to collect more qualitative data and conduct local needs assessments, identifying future growth opportunities through strategic partnerships.

Notably, Mars UK collaborates with WRAP, a key organization behind the UK Plastic Pact, to drive sustainability efforts in packaging.

Mars has also joined the National Social Value Taskforce, a coalition of national and local government representatives, private sector members, and others.

Together, they are urging CPG industry peers to collaborate in measuring, understanding, and maximizing Social Value contributions across the UK.

Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, praised Mars UK for its leadership and commitment, stating, “Mars UK’s decision to champion Social Value and call on others to do the same is a significant step.

“With the FMCG sector contributing £134 billion to the UK economy annually and employing over 456,000 people, collaboration within the industry is critical.

“Mars’ role in the UK Plastic Pact and efforts to eliminate problematic packaging demonstrates how the industry can create greater social, economic, and environmental value, moving towards a more circular, zero-waste economy.”

Key highlights from the Mars UK Social Value Report showcase the company’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and improving sustainability.

One significant achievement was a 10% reduction in the size of plastic pouches used for its products.

This adjustment led to a 45-tonne decrease in plastic waste, demonstrating Mars’ proactive approach to minimizing its environmental footprint.

In 2023, Mars also piloted a new packaging initiative by introducing paper-wrapped Mars bars in 500 Tesco stores across the UK.

This switch to recyclable paper packaging is expected to reduce the company’s reliance on virgin plastic and supports Mars’ long-term sustainability goals, including those outlined in its “Sustainable in a Generation” plan.

Additionally, Mars played a key role in funding the Flexible Plastic Fund and helped launch the FlexCollect program, a trial kerbside collection initiative aimed at flexible plastic recycling.

This effort successfully diverted 14.1 tonnes of flexible plastic from landfills, contributing to the broader goal of creating a circular economy and reducing waste.

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