Mars Wrigley U.S. has introduced new 100% recyclable M&M'S Theater Boxes resulting in the removal of 98 metric tons of plastic overwrap as part of its ongoing commitment to more sustainable packaging.
The updated packaging, which eliminates plastic weighing equivalent to the weight of a space shuttle headed into orbit, has been rolling onto shelves in the U.S. since September and is now available in theatres and major retailers nationwide.
"At Mars Wrigley, we're committed to creating better moments by improving our societal impact and helping protect the environment through more sustainable packaging," said Justin Comes, Vice President of R&D, Mars Wrigley North America. "Removing 98 tons of plastic – equal to the weight of a space shuttle headed into orbit – from our M&M'S Theater Boxes in the U.S. is an important sustainability step for one of America's best and most famous brands to help build a circular economy where packaging never becomes waste."
This latest M&M'S announcement is one of many tangible actions Mars Wrigley is taking around the world to support a circular economy and to help people protect our planet while enjoying some of their favourite treats and snacks. Other steps include an announcement last month that all its over 220 million Mars Bars sold in the UK, Ireland and Canada will be certified as carbon neutral by 2023.
In the UK, Maltesers swapped the plastic from box interiors with a water-based coating, reducing 82 metric tons of plastic waste. While in Germany, the first ever Mars Wrigley gum bottle with 30% recycled content was launched across the German market this summer, an industry-leading move that reduces virgin plastic use by approximately 350 tons annually.
Elsewhere, last year in France M&M's launched recyclable packaging in the M&M'S Choco 300g pouch as part of Hero Projects, an ongoing program in Europe that tests alternative and sustainable packaging solutions.
Find out information on Mars' approach to sustainable packaging here.