Mars, Snickers & Milky Way Go Plastic-Free…

Mars, Snickers & Milky Way Go Plastic-Free…

Who else says “treat yourself” when getting themselves anything? I’ll be honest I say it even knowing I hardly deny myself treats in the first place, haha!! 

Well, today’s story gives a full body ‘treat yourself’, without any guilt because our Aussie chocolate favourites are ditching the plastic and will soon switch to paper packaging! 

The manufacturer behind the iconic chocolates, Mars Wrigley Australia, plans to reduce more than 360 tonnes of plastic from its chain with this swap. *Screams of joy internally* Actually we did that out loud too. Want to know something (not so) cool about that stat? That plastic is enough to stretch from Melbourne to London and back… 

Let’s dive into when we will see the packaging roll out & the impact this change will have! 

When Will Mars Switch To Paper Packaging? 

Mars Wrigley will shift to paper-based packaging from April 2023! Hello, plastic-free Easter! 

The company’s newest suitability commitment is part of a bid to meet the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation’s (APCO) 2025 National Packaging Targets.

Can It Be Recycled?

Drum roll please GFZ’s. 

The new paper packaging will be able to be recycled in traditional kerbside recycling bins. Boom. 

The new packaging has been developed in trials at Mars Wrigley's manufacturing site in Ballarat, regional Victoria and required a re-engineering of machinery to accommodate the new material.

While we know Mars has a long way to go, this incredible switch being made by one of the leading confectionery companies in Australia sets an example to other major companies to meet the packaging targets and become aware of the change that we are all so ready for. 

Ready to sink your teeth into some more happy Earth news? We think you’ll love our blog about Seaweed Replacing Plastic in Perth, you have the sea-it to believe it! (Okay that’s enough puns for one day) 

Until next week GFZs! 

Much love, 

GFZ Team xx