Mars achieves key sustainability milestones

The Mars Wrigley Cocoa for Generations Program and the Sustainable in a Generation Plan initiatives have seen acceleration towards sustainability goals.

Creating a cocoa sector where human rights are respected, the environment is protected and everyone (especially cacao farmers) has the opportunity to thrive is the primary aim of the Cocoa for Generations initiative.

The 2021 Cocoa for Generations report details the company’s latest progress toward creating an inclusive and sustainable cocoa supply chain. Advancements include significant progress on its Women for Change program and key deforestation-free milestones.

The treats and snacks company has sourced 61% of cocoa through its Responsible Cocoa program and is on track to reach its goal of 100% by 2025.

Through its suppliers it has distributed more than 1.9 million non-cocoa trees in 2021, helping to increase shade and biodiversity and assist in carbon capture.

The company is conducting agricultural research in Far North Queensland to unearth sustainable cocoa production methods. It has partnered with James Cook University to study the integration of cocoa within sustainable agroforestry systems.

Chris Hutton, Director of R&D at the company, said: “The syntropic ecosystem we’re creating in Far North Queensland is the only site in Australia that is investigating this type of syntropic agriculture to support cocoa farmers. By investing in this research as part of the Cocoa for Generations program, we aim to unlock further understanding on how to best grow cocoa sustainably to enrich the lives of cocoa farmers, their families and communities around the world.”

Since launching the initiative in 2017, the annual scorecard provides a year-over-year review of progress around the business’s sustainability goals.

Key results from the 2021 scorecard include:

• 6.1% reduction in emissions across the entire value chain.
• 53% of electricity is drawn from renewable sources.
• 24% reduction in unsustainable water use, in line to achieve 2025 target of a 50% reduction.
• Reached more than 442,200 people through human rights and income efforts and worked to positively impact 61,250 farmers through increased incomes.
• 43% of Mars packaging is now designed for recycling for infrastructure that exists today or is likely to exist in the near future.