Walmart, Mondelēz, Mars, Nestlé exit US Plastics Pact amid 2030 goal shift

USA – Several of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, including Walmart, Nestlé, Mars, Mondelēz, and L’Oréal USA, have withdrawn from the US Plastics Pact, marking a significant setback for the national coalition as it transitions to a new set of targets for 2030.

Launched in 2020 under the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global network, the US Plastics Pact quickly became one of the most ambitious voluntary initiatives tackling plastic waste in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

The coalition, which grew to over 125 members, aimed to make 100% of plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, with an average of 30% recycled content.

However, progress has been mixed. By 2023, only half of the packaging produced by members met recyclability or compostability criteria, and average recycled content reached just 11%.

Companies have increasingly acknowledged that the original 2025 goals were difficult to achieve.

Mars, for example, admitted in 2024 that despite “good progress,” it was unlikely to meet its targets due to delays in infrastructure and design changes.

Walmart echoed similar concerns in a February 2025 update, noting that while it had advanced on several fronts, it expected to fall short.

The retailer has since joined other industry-led coalitions, including co-founding the EPR Leadership Forum.

The departures come as the pact prepares to roll out revised 2030 goals, including the elimination of problematic materials, achieving 30% recycled content, and reducing virgin plastic use by 30%.

Implementation of these updated targets begins in January 2026.

In parallel, non-profit organizations have also withdrawn. Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council, cited limited returns on time invested and new participation fees as reasons for the group’s exit.

Despite these challenges, the Pact continues to attract dedicated members. Companies such as Aldi and Kraft Heinz remain committed and have joined a new “Activator Accelerators” program focused on deepening engagement through 2030.

Eric Downing, Director of Marketing & Communications at the US Plastics Pact, acknowledged the evolving landscape but emphasized ongoing industry transformation.

Globally, plastics pacts have increased recycled content by 44% over six years and eliminated 360,000 tonnes of problematic plastics.

Still, with major brands stepping back, the future of the US Plastics Pact—and plastic policy at large—remains uncertain as the world awaits progress on the Global Plastics Treaty.

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