MARS Pet Nutrition has announced it is continuing to redesign its product packaging in Europe with brands SHEBA, WHISKAS, PERFECT FIT and CATSAN, in move saving hundreds of tonnes of plastic annually.
The company has joined Carrefour’s concept test-and-learn bulk initiative in Montesson hypermarket, France, offering its PERFECT FIT dry cat food, CATISFACTIONS and WHISKAS care and treats in bulk.
Partnering with Carrefour to test bulk sales is part of a broader industry collaboration strategy within the scope of France’s National Pact on Plastic Packaging, where stakeholders are working on solutions to drive a circular economy. Consumers are provided with reusable or single-use containers for consecutive pet food re-fills.
These initiatives are part of Mars’ ambition to have all of its packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable.
Throughout 2022, Mars Pet Nutrition Europe revealed it has transformed its SHEBA and PERFECT FIT mini pouches, replacing plastic flow wraps with ‘high performing and widely recyclable’ paper sleeves.
Across select markets in Europe, WHISKAS dry food plastic bags have been replaced with carton boxes and in France, CATSAN cat litter brand has removed unnecessary layers of plastic in its secondary packaging.
Deri Watkins, regional president at Mars Pet Nutrition Europe, said, “Packaging waste is a global problem and does not align with Mars’ vision for a world where the planet is healthy. That’s why we continue to take action to support a circular economy, for a world where packaging materials do not become waste, but ultimately are reused, recycled, or composted.”
Helen Warren-Piper, chief growth officer at Mars Pet Nutrition Europe, added, “Our packaging transformation journey focuses on doing what’s right for the pet parents we serve, the pets we love and the planet we all share. We’re excited to bring innovative and sustainable options to pet parents who are not only looking for high-quality and delicious pet food, but also seeking ways to reduce their impact on the environment.”
