SLOUGH, UK— Mars Inc. is launching a sustainably packaged Mars bar in the UK as part of a new pilot test to explore different packaging options. The candy bars are wrapped in recyclable paper and will be available for a limited time at Tesco stores.

“We’re delighted to partner with Mars Wrigley to trial an alternative version of their iconic Mars bar packaging—aligning to our own strategy of removing plastic and packaging in our business where we can, reducing it where we can’t, reusing more and recycling what’s left,” said Andrew Flood, Tesco’s packaging development manager.

Mars has developed and invested extensively in the new packaging, and the pilot will allow for a significant reduction in plastic usage. Mars is hoping the learnings gleaned from the test will help to inform other possible pilots across the region.

“While challenges may impact the pace of progress towards our vision, we at Mars Incorporated are committed to scaling up viable solutions where recycling options exist and to test, learn, partner and advocate where they don’t,” said Adam Grant, general manager, Mars Wrigley UK.

The paper-packaged Mars bar is part of the company's Sustainable in a Generation plan. The Mars bar has also gained carbon neutral status this year and is the most widely sold chocolate bar in the world to have received this certification.

Through its Sustainable in a Generation Plan, Mars is investing hundreds of millions of pounds to meet its goal of reducing its use of virgin plastics by a third in the short-term, which includes using less plastic, recycled plastic and alternatives to plastic packaging.

NACS houses helpful sustainability-related resources online under the Sustainability Playbook, which retailers can scour for information related to ESG, packaging, alternative fuels and energy saving opportunities.