Mars Inc., McLean, Virginia, announced it achieved its goal of zero waste to landfill for all 126 of its global locations, and well as accomplishing seven of its 16 sustainability targets in 2015.
“We have made significant progress toward making our operations truly sustainable over the last five years,” says Barry Parkin, chief sustainability and health & wellbeing officer for Mars. “Our associates are engaged in the work we are doing, and we’re proud that, as of the end of 2015, we achieved a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and generated zero waste to landfill from all of our factories around the world. But we also missed the target in some critical areas—such as sustainable packaging improvements—so there’s plenty more to be done. Over the next five years—and beyond—we will continue to bring our Five Principles to life across our entire supply chain, from farm to consumer."
According to the company, all waste from the locations is recycled, reused or used a fuel on site. Four Wrigley factories have reached our zero waste-to-landfill goal—in Asquith, Australia; Bangalore, India; Plymouth, England; and Poznan, Poland through a variety of methods. In Poznan excess gum waste is cut and mixed with other materials and used as fuel, and leftover sweeteners are purified and used as an energy source for manufacturing. In Asquith, disposable solid waste is sent to an off-site bioreactor—the resulting methane is harnessed to generate alternative energy, which is directed back into the electricity grid.
The report outlines progress made in 2015 related to sustainability, health and wellbeing, food safety, responsible marketing and workplace engagement across our diverse business segments, including petcare, chocolate, Wrigley, food, drinks and symbioscience. Below are some highlights from Mars’ 2015 Principles in Action Summary:
- Sustainability–Mars reduced greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 25 percent from a 2007 baseline and sent zero waste to landfill at all 126 of our manufacturing sites globally. Additionally, Mars’ Mesquite Creek wind farm in Texas began generating the equivalent of 100 percent of the electricity required to power Mars’ U.S. operations in 2015. In terms of raw materials, Mars obtained 100 percent of our palm oil, black tea and coffee; 40 percent of our cocoa; and 35 percent of our fish and seafood from certified sources.
- Health and wellbeing–Last year, over 99 percent of Mars chocolate and confectionary products were below 250 kcal. Additionally, Mars took a leadership position in supporting leading health authorities’ advice that people should limit their intake of added sugars to no more than 10 percent of total calories. The company also delivered on its commitment to provide GDA labeling on 99 percent of all chocolate, confectionary and food products, and launched the Food Nutrition Criteria to guide our Food segment in making its products healthier.
- Food safety–To foster pre-competitive research and training, Mars opened a Global Food Safety Center in China in 2015. Further, Mars is pioneering global research in food safety by partnering with others in the food industry, academia, non-governmental organizations and government agencies.
“While we celebrate our progress and the efforts of Mars associates all over the world, we’re also keenly aware that big challenges remain,” say Grant F. Reid, CEO and office of the president for Mars. “I’m confident that we are making a positive impact and creating growth that we can be proud of by delivering on our Five Principles of Quality, Responsibility, Efficiency, Mutuality and Freedom. I’m also certain that if business, government, non-governmental organizations and society work together, we can secure a great future for generations to come.”
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