Berry and Mars will launch the new jars for the M&M’S, SKITTLES, and STARBURST brands with more sustainable packaging solutions later this month
Berry Global and Mars launch recycled content packaging. (Credit: Berry Global Inc.)
Plastic packaging products developer Berry Global and food company Mars have launched the latter’s pantry-sized treats in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) jars.
Berry said the jars have been optimised to be lighter weight and include 15% post-consumer resin (PCR).
Both firms will launch the new jars for the M&M’S, SKITTLES, and STARBURST brands with more sustainable packaging solutions later this month.
The single-pellet, food-grade resin is used to create the easy-grip square jars at Berry’s production plant, guaranteeing a clean, dependable substrate generated through mechanical recycling.
Berry contributed its problem-solving skills and technical expertise to assist Mars in moving closer to its sustainability objectives.
According to the packaging firm, the jar includes PCR plastic and is also widely recyclable.
Berry Global Consumer Packaging North America Division EVP and general manager Brian Hunt said: “By leveraging our material science expertise and technical resources, we proactively created a solution for Mars without disruption to product performance.
“Through partnerships and creative thinking such as this, customers look to Berry for unique solutions to their sustainability challenges.”
The jars, which are available in three sizes 60, 81, and 87 ounces, offer the same appearance and feel and will save around 300 tonnes of virgin plastic annually, Berry said.
The packaging firm also managed to lower the weight of the 81- and 87-ounce jars by 10 grams each, saving 374 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Berry used its global capabilities, sustainability leadership, and deep innovation expertise to bring this more sustainable bottling solution to the market.
Mars Wrigley North America R&D vice president Justin Comes said: “At Mars, we want to contribute to a circular economy where packaging material never becomes waste, but is recycled, reused or composted.”
“We have set an aggressive, science-based strategy to innovate our packaging and this change to 15% PCR for these large-format jars is a significant step towards a more sustainable future.”