Berry Global and Mars Unveil 100% Recycled Plastic Packaging for Iconic Snack Brands
In a significant leap towards sustainability, Berry Global Group, Inc. and global confectionery giant Mars have announced a groundbreaking transition to 100% recycled plastic packaging for popular pantry jar brands including M&M’S®, SKITTLES®, and STARBURST®. This eco-friendly innovation marks a major milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two companies, aiming to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy.
The new pantry jars, excluding their lids, are made entirely from post-consumer recycled resin—a material derived from plastics collected through curbside recycling programs. Available in 60-, 81-, and 87-ounce sizes, the jars are widely recyclable and designed to eliminate over 1,300 metric tons of virgin plastic each year—equivalent to the weight of 238 African elephants.
Berry’s advanced material science expertise and manufacturing capabilities played a pivotal role in bringing this innovation to life without compromising the jars' durability, safety, or visual appeal. The jars not only help divert plastic waste from landfills but also empower consumers to actively participate in the recycling loop by simply placing the used jars back in recycling bins.
Peter Goshorn, Vice President of Food, Beverage & Spirits for Berry Global, emphasized the importance of scaling recycled content across industries. “As companies worldwide commit to a circular economy, delivering products made from recycled materials at scale is crucial. Our collaboration with Mars showcases how innovation can align with sustainability without sacrificing performance or aesthetics,” he said.
This latest step builds on the companies' initial launch of pantry jars containing 15% recycled plastic in 2022. The shift to 100% recycled content reflects Mars' commitment to rethinking packaging, with a vision of making all its packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
“In the world we want tomorrow, no packaging becomes waste,” said Allison Lin, Global Vice President of Packaging Sustainability at Mars. “By investing in recycled content and partnering with companies like Berry, we’re not just reducing virgin plastic usage—we’re helping drive a more circular economy.”
The long-standing partnership between Berry Global and Mars, which began in 2017, continues to set the standard for sustainable packaging innovation—proving that collaboration is key to shaping a more sustainable future.