In 2007 Mars signed up to the first phase of the Courtauld Commitment which is a project led by the Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP) aiming to reduce the amount of packaging waste that ends up in the household bin. In 2009 we continued our support by signing up for the second phase of the Courtauld Commitment aimed at reducing the carbon impact of grocery packaging whilst still reducing waste in the grocery supply chain and households.
Mars, as a signatory of the first Courtauld Commitment, took part in a project with WRAP to trial methods for lightweighting glass containers and another to redesign the tins used to retail its CELEBRATIONS brand of small, mixed, wrapped chocolates. To environmentally improve its 500g UNCLE BEN'S jars, new moulds were created which altered the design and reduced the height. This enabled a 6% weight reduction and produced an overall saving of 450 tonnes of glass per year.
To improve the design of its chocolate tin, Mars employees explored changing to a plastic tub. By pursing this to conclusion, Mars was able to reduce the weight by 46% achieving a saving of 720 tonnes of materials per year. Furthermore, in line with the waste hierarchy, the tub is designed for reuse rather than disposal: as it has been made dishwasher, microwave and freezer proof, it can be used in a wide variety of ways around the home after the chocolate contents have been consumed. Reuse is encouraged through clear labelling on the tub. In addition, through working with WRAP, Mars has also been able to improve its transport packaging on the CELEBRATIONS tub. By replacing corrugated carton board cases with plastic shrink wrap, an 87% weight reduction has been achieved and 135 tonnes less packaging are now produced each year.
In addition, as a leading member of the Seasonal Confectionery Working Group (SCWG), supporting the Courtauld Agreement and facilitated by WRAP, the environment was at the heart of the Mars Easter range design. As an example of initiatives, on medium-sized eggs, we exceeded the SCWG self imposed target of 25% reduction in cardboard weight, attaining a 42% reduction. In addition, the amount of plastic used was reduced by 35%. All remaining Easter egg packaging is now 100% recycled cardboard and all Easter eggs carry a light hearted bunny logo to demonstrate this. All Mars Easter eggs carry advice to customers on how and where to dispose of the packaging.
We have also looked at packaging across our Christmas range. In 2009 we removed 100 tonnes of cardboard and the Mars Recycle Reindeer was added. In 2010 we continued our packaging reduction program by changing our Christmas tubes from a cardboard tube with a plastic cap to square cartons, saving 30% of the product's packaging.
Finally, a steel can weight reduction for all easy-open cans across all petfood brands has been implemented. This will save over 1,000 tonnes per annum. This was achieved through collaboration with our suppliers – a down gauging of wall thickness and a reduction of can-end thickness.
