Mars and Amcor announce recyclable rice pouch

Mars Food has announced it will begin to use recyclable mono-polypropylene plastic (PP) for its microwavable rice pouches in 2021. The pouch is a result of a three-year partnership between Mars Food and Amcor, with the companies sharing a vision to support a circular economy where the packaging doesn’t become waste.

The companies are in the final stages of development of the new food-safe, monomaterial, microwavable rice pouch, with the first packs expected to be launched in limited European markets by mid-year 2021 and ambitions to scale the technology across Mars Food’s portfolio beginning in the back half of the year.

The use of high-performing mono-PP material will allow Mars Food to retain the shape, shelf life, functionality and high safety standards needed for its brands’ packaging. It will also ensure the pouches can be mechanically and chemically recycled where infrastructure exists and designed for future recycling where it doesn’t yet.

The progress is part of Mars’s Sustainable Packaging Plan, which outlines the business’s commitment and plans to achieve 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging by 2025. The project will also move Amcor closer to achieving its pledge to develop its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.

Mars Food Multisales President Fiona Dawson said the company is committed to finding more sustainable solutions for its packaging that are food safe without compromising quality.

“We believe in tackling the world’s sustainability challenges together, and through this partnership with Amcor we will pilot, learn and then scale the volume of recyclable mono-polypropylene pouches across our portfolio.”

Amcor led the packaging development, building upon its recent AmLite HeatFlex Recyclable innovation. This will be its first application for microwaveable food and the first in a stand-up pouch format.

Michael Zacka, President Amcor Flexibles EMEA, said the company’s R&D team developed a unique innovation roadmap of more sustainable solutions for plastic, paper and aluminium packaging.

"Thanks to that foresight and leadership in innovation, we are excited to announce yet another industry first in recycle-ready packaging,” Zacka said.

Image supplied by Mars Food.