Mars Meals pronounces the launch of its mono polypropylene packaging
Mars Food launches its first microwaveable mono-material rice pouch in the UK
Mars food announced the start of the first introduction of the highly anticipated monopolypropylene (PP) packaging for the company’s microwaveable rice bag range designed for recyclability.
The start as a pilot begins on Uncle Ben Ready to heat whole grain rice, which will soon be called new Ben’s original, available from Tesco stores from mid-April. The insights into how the material moves through Mars’ supply chain will lead to a more extensive rollout in the coming year.
Developed with global packaging partner, AmcorBy using high-performance Mono-PP material, Mars Food can maintain the shape, durability, functionality and high safety standards required for the packaging of its brands, and the bags can be recycled where the right collection and recycling infrastructure is in place who have accepted this more flexible plastic.
This achievement marks a milestone in Mars’ sustainable packaging plan, which outlines the company’s commitment to 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging by 2025.
Currently, flexible mono PP plastic is not supported by home recycling collection. However, several large retailers have recently announced in-store attempts to offer flexible plastic collection solutions, providing a recycling route for consumers.
Effective collection and sorting systems as well as the availability of recycling infrastructures are important elements in building a circular economy for all types of packaging. Nationwide in-store recycling for flexible mono PP packaging is expected to be available by the end of 2021, with in-home recycling available from 2023.
Matt Cutts, Mars Food’s Director of Innovation, said, “This is a huge step forward for Mars and our journey towards fully recyclable packaging. The work is still ongoing and we hope that this innovation will lead to an increased discussion about the collection and recycling infrastructure that is needed alongside packaging development. “
Helen Bird from WRAP said: “The UK Plastics Pact strategy is that all types of plastic bags and packaging are collected for further recycling. The ability to recycle the material largely depends on its construction. In many cases this means packaging needs to be simplified, which requires research and innovation. WRAP is excited about this breakthrough in designing microwaveable food bags so that once they are collected, they can be recycled into new items. And these collections are coming. We are encouraged by the recent announcement from some supermarkets to collect all types of plastic bags and packaging, and we are sure that similar announcements are in the making from other retailers. These supermarket collection points are a critical step in collecting these materials direct from households in the years to come. “
