Berry Global, Mars transition to 100% recycled plastic pantry jars

USA – Berry Global has collaborated with Mars to transition its pantry jars for M&M’s, Skittles, and Starburst brands to 100% recycled plastic packaging (excluding jar lids). 

The move aligns with both companies’ sustainability goals, aiming to reduce plastic waste and encourage circular packaging solutions.

The new pantry jars, available in 60-, 81-, and 87-ounce sizes, are designed to be widely recyclable. 

By using mechanically processed recycled content, Mars claims the initiative will eliminate more than 1,300 metric tons of virgin plastic annually.

Closing the loop on plastic waste

The post-consumer resin material used in the jars comes from recycled plastics collected from consumers, helping to divert waste from landfills, decrease virgin plastic consumption, and lower carbon emissions. 

Mars emphasizes the importance of consumer participation in this recycling loop—placing the lid back on an empty container and disposing of it in a recycling bin ensures the plastic can be repurposed into new products.

Produced at Berry’s manufacturing facility, the square jars use certified food-grade mechanically recycled resin sourced from kerbside collection streams.

“Reducing our virgin plastic usage by investing in recycled content is an important step in our strategy, alongside initiatives to remove unnecessary packaging, explore reuse models, and redesign our packaging for circularity,” Allison Lin, Global Vice President of Packaging Sustainability at Mars, stated. 

“Using recycled content incentivizes increased collection systems and recycling infrastructure, which is essential for a circular economy.”

Expanding sustainable packaging efforts

Berry Global has been actively developing sustainable packaging solutions for various brands. 

Last year, Berry and Stora Enso designed a custom pot for Finnish brand Valio’s PROfeel protein puddings, supporting the company’s commitment to reducing plastic usage by 15% in single-use packaging by 2026. 

The new pot also helps minimize food waste and improves print quality, including a printable bottom surface for mandatory product information.

In another recent development, Walkers Chocolates announced a switch to 100% kerbside recyclable paper wrappers for its Turkish Delight and Mint Cream chocolates. 

This paper-based solution provides oxygen protection, sealability on standard packaging equipment, and high-quality printing capabilities.