Packaging manufacturer Berry Global has expanded its partnership with Mars, a leading snacks and sweets producer, with the launch of 100% recycled plastic pantry jars for brands such as M&M’S, Skittles, and Starburst.
This move represents a significant step towards sustainability as part of an ongoing collaboration to reduce plastic waste and increase the use of recycled content in packaging.
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Evolution of recycled packaging
The new packaging jars, which exclude the lids, are a major upgrade from the previous iteration launched in 2022, which featured 15% recycled plastic.
The latest version of the jars is now rolling out across the United States, marking another milestone in the companies’ joint efforts to develop more sustainable packaging solutions.
According to the partners, the jars are “widely recyclable” and incorporate mechanically processed recycled content sourced from kerbside collection streams, aiming to eliminate over 1,300 tonnes of virgin plastic each year.
Berry Global produces the jars using certified food-grade mechanically recycled resin. The collaboration is driven by a shared commitment to the circular economy, with both companies prioritising sustainability without compromising the quality of the products.
A continued commitment to sustainability
Peter Goshorn, Vice President of Food, Beverage & Spirits for Berry Global’s Consumer Packaging North America division, highlighted the importance of scaling up recycled materials to meet the growing demand for sustainable products.
“The ability to deliver products made with recycled materials at scale is crucial,” Goshorn said, emphasising the need for responsible business growth that does not sacrifice product performance or aesthetics.
Mars has also been working on its Sustainable Packaging Plan, which aims to reduce plastic usage, and redesign packaging to ensure it is either reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
Since 2017, Mars has partnered with Berry to push the boundaries of sustainable packaging innovation. This initiative aligns with Mars’s broader goal of reducing its environmental impact, as outlined in its global sustainability efforts.
Challenges in the industry
Despite these advancements, the 2024 Global Commitment progress report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) revealed a setback for some of the biggest players in the industry.
The report indicated that Mars, along with PepsiCo and The Coca-Cola Company, increased its use of virgin plastic by 5% between its baseline year and 2023. This highlights the challenges the sector faces in balancing sustainability goals with the demands of production and consumer needs.
In the context of increasing shareholder approval for Amcor’s takeover of Berry, this partnership reflects the ongoing pressure on businesses to innovate in packaging while navigating complex sustainability targets.
The latest initiative by Mars and Berry Global serves as a reminder of the industry’s responsibility to reduce plastic waste and transition towards more sustainable practices.
