Mars has made significant progress towards making its operations sustainable.
Mars recently released its annual Principles in Action Summary report in order to share and track the company’s progress in regards to its bold commitments. Mars has made adopting sustainable practices across the world and creating healthier products its priority, as it works to create a better future for generations to come.
“We have made significant progress toward making our operations truly sustainable over the last five years,” said Barry Parkin, chief sustainability and health & wellbeing officer for Mars Inc. “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% 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.”
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:
- Life at Mars – For the fifth year in a row, Mars made Great Place to Work’s “World’s Best Multinational Workplaces” top 25 list, in addition to other workplace accolades across markets—from being named the best workplace in Europe to one of the best multinational workplaces in Asia. Through Mars University, our global development curriculum, Associates had access to 478,193 hours of training to broaden their experience, skills and leadership competencies.
- Health & Wellbeing – Last year, over 99% of Mars chocolate and confectionary products were below 250 calories. 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% of total calories. We also delivered on our commitment to provide GDA labeling on 99% 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.
- Sustainability – Mars reduced greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 25% 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% of the electricity required to power Mars’ U.S. operations in 2015. In terms of raw materials, Mars obtained 100% of our palm oil, black tea and coffee; 40% of our cocoa; and 35% of our fish and seafood from certified sources.
“While we celebrate our progress and the efforts of Mars Associates all over the world, we’re also keenly aware that big challenges remain,” said Grant 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.”
