Mars and Berry Global have unveiled new 100% recycled plastic packaging for M&M’S®, SKITTLES®, and STARBURST® pantry jars, marking a significant step in their commitment to sustainability. This move will eliminate over 1,300 metric tons of virgin plastic annually and supports the companies’ efforts to foster a circular economy.
Key Details
The updated 60-, 81-, and 87-ounce jars, now made entirely from recycled plastic, replace the previous packaging that contained 15% recycled content, introduced in 2022. These jars are widely recyclable and are designed to reduce plastic waste, lower emissions, and enhance recycling efforts by using post-consumer resin (PCR) from curbside collection streams. However, the lids are not yet made from recycled plastic.
Peter Goshorn, VP at Berry Global, highlighted the significance of this development: “Delivering products made with recycled materials at scale is crucial for companies transitioning to a circular economy.”
Mars, which has collaborated with Berry Global on packaging innovations since 2017, is committed to reducing plastic use through its Sustainable Packaging Plan, which aims for all packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
Mars’ Ongoing Sustainability Efforts
Allison Lin, Global VP of Packaging Sustainability at Mars, stated: “Investing in recycled content to reduce virgin plastic is just one step in our larger mission to eliminate packaging waste.” The company is also redesigning 12,000 packaging components and working to improve global recycling infrastructure.
This packaging update is a key part of Mars’ vision for a sustainable future, reinforcing its goal of a circular economy where packaging waste is minimized.
