Research shows that the production of raw materials has a huge impact on the sustainability of our products, so here we can make the difference. That’s why we make an effort to burden the environment as little as possible, and at the same time we are improving the living conditions of our manufacturers.
As chocolate manufacturer, cocoa is of course very important for us. That is why we agreed in 2009 to have our entire cocoa supply certified as produced sustainably by 2020. We want to boost the sustainability of the entire cocoa industry. The cocoa farmer is our first focus. With him we work on higher revenues and a better quality.
For other raw materials such as dairy, peanuts, sugar and corn we are investigating the possibilities to reduce the impact on the environment. For palm oil, it is the goal for Mars to use 100% certified sustainable palm oil by 2015. Not only in its chocolate products, but also in pet food, chewing gum and meal components. Long term relationships, clear strategies and clear agreements with suppliers are an essential part of making our raw materials sustainable.
Certification of sustainable cocoa
Mars aims at sustainable cocoa farming. In order to achieve this, Mars is cooperating with Rainforest Alliance and UTZ CERTIFIED Cocoa, two certification organizations, the latter of which Mars is involved in as founding father. The UTZ CERTIFIED and Rainforest Alliance certification marks strive for a more profitable income for farmers and their workers.
We believe in an integrated approach as being the most sustainable. This means Mars is working together with different parties in economical, social as well as ecological areas. Farmers, working according to these certification marks, pay a lot of attention to the environment through more productive and advanced agriculture systems, as well as to favorable working conditions. In this way they contribute to a better future for the workers and their families.
Fish species
Fish is an important ingredient in our cat food. Cats like to eat fish and it is healthy too. For this reason we process as much by-products in our pet food as possible. Fixed recipes and the right quality are at the heart of this process. Given the growing concerns about the use of endangered species of fish and fish caught in over-fished areas of the sea, we have been phasing out use of all fish species which are listed as Endangered or Vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) or switching to sustainable sources for those species. For example, we have replaced swordfish with trout.
