Berry Global, Mars partner on recycled packaging
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Evansville-based Berry Global Group Inc. (NYSE: BERY) is partnering with Mars Inc. in Virginia to create new jars made with recyclable material for three of its popular candy brands. Berry says the new jars will help Mars make progress toward its sustainability goals.
The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) jars are made at Berry’s manufacturing facility with 15% post-consumer resin (PCR), which Berry says will make them lighter weight and widely recyclable.
The jars come in three sizes: 60, 81, and 87 ounces. Berry says the jars will eliminate about 300 tons of virgin plastic annually.
“At Mars, we want to contribute to a circular economy where packaging material never becomes waste, but is recycled, reused or composted,” Justin Comes, vice president of research and development for Mars Wrigley North America, said in written remarks. “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.”
Mars plans to launch the jars for its M&M’s, Skittles and Starburst brands later this month.
Mars is the latest brand with which Berry Global has partnered on sustainable packaging. In May, the company announced a deal with Taco Bell to make a a new clear, all-plastic cup made from recycled PCR.
A similar partnership with Wendy’s was announced in October 2021.