Mars Launches 100% Recycled Plastic Jars for M&Ms, Skittles

Snacking, food, and pet care products provider Mars announced the introduction of pantry jars made of 100% recycled plastic for its M&Ms, Skittles, and Starburst snacks, forming part of the company’s transition to more sustainable packaging.

The new jars, made by packaging solutions provider Berry Global, are now rolling out across the United States and will replace jars made from 15% recycled plastic, Mars said.

According to the companies, the change will eliminate more than 1,300 metric tons of virgin plastic annually. The jars come in three sizes—60, 81 and 87 ounces– and are made from post-consumer resin, which is derived from recycled plastics. The jars and their lids can also be recycled when consumers are done using them.

Allison Lin, Global Vice President of Packaging Sustainability at Mars, said:

“In the world we want tomorrow, no packaging becomes waste, but is instead reused, recycled or composted. That’s why we continue to rethink our approach to packaging and collaborate with companies like Berry. Reducing our virgin plastic usage by investing in recycled content is an important step in our strategy, alongside initiatives to remove unnecessary packaging, explore reuse models and redesign our packaging for circularity. Using recycled content incentivizes increased collection systems and recycling infrastructure, which is essential for a circular economy.”

As part of its Sustainable Packaging Plan, Mars has been redesigning its packaging portfolio to reduce plastic packaging and redesign packaging to ensure it can be reusable, recyclable or compostable. Mars has been partnering with Berry Global since 2017 to innovate sustainable packaging. In 2022, the two companies introduced pantry jars with 15% recycled plastic. Mars said that as part of its commitment to sustainable packaging, it is redesigning 12,000 packaging components.

Peter Goshorn, Vice President of Food, Beverage & Spirits for Berry Global’s Consumer Packaging North America Division, said:

“As companies across the globe commit to transitioning to a circular economy, the ability to deliver products made with recycled materials at scale is crucial. That’s why we’re collaborating with leading brands, like Mars, to significantly increase the use of recycled content to drive responsible business growth without compromising performance or aesthetics.”