Mars Wrigley has partnered with supermarket retailer Coles to trial new sustainable off-location displays made from ocean-bound plastic.
The two companies say this initiative will see a reduction of 74 tonnes of cardboard from Coles’ value chain, and a potential eight tonnes of plastic stopped from entering the marine environment.
Working alongside Plastic Bank and 5P to collect and stop plastic from entering the ocean, melt it down and mould it into the permanent displays, Mars Wrigley will be able to remove more than 74 tonnes of cardboard and plastic from its value chain once rolled out nationally across Coles stores.
Andrew Leakey, general manager at Mars Wrigley Australia, said the company knows it has a responsibility to create a more sustainable future, and collaboration with companies like Coles is critical to the success of the company’s sustainability agenda.
“With our brands in nine out of 10 Australian households around the country, we know we have an important role to play in reducing our environmental footprint, and creating innovative sustainable solutions locally,” he said.
“Personally, I’m immensely proud of the work we have done alongside Coles to transition our off-location product displays to permanent recycled content made from ocean plastic.
“For us, collaboration is the key to creating a more sustainable future. Working with our customers like Coles, and partner suppliers like Plastic Bank and 5Pgroup to unlock sustainable innovations that support the circular economy and business needs is the way forward.”
With both Mars Wrigley and Coles committed to driving a more sustainable future, the collaboration is a natural one that supports the circular economy, and reduces virgin plastic and cardboard from both companies’ operations.
“We’re pleased to work with our suppliers like Mars Wrigley to support sustainability initiatives that enhance our in-store customer experience,” said Via Ladvas, business category manager of Impulse at Coles.
“The new fixed recycled material point-of-sale displays are aligned with our commitment to reduce waste and reuse materials throughout our supply chain.”
With the equivalent of a garbage truck full of plastic entering the ocean every minute, Mars Wrigley is working to reduce ocean-bound plastic and recycle it to create new, reusable products such as Mars Wrigley’s permanent displays.
“The collaboration of sustainability-focused manufacturers and retailers is essential to empower consumers with choices that make a difference for the people and the planet, and ultimately, bring about behavioural change in society,” said David Katz, founder of Plastic Bank.
“Plastic Bank eagerly looks forward to building a long-term solution for Mars Wrigley from this trial.”
The new recycled ocean-bound plastic displays form part of Mars Wrigley’s broader point-of-sale overhaul with Coles, which also includes stackable cardboard shippers that reduces cardboard and plastic from the company’s value chain, and creates greater operational efficiencies.
“Working with industry leaders such as Mars Wrigley and Coles supported 5P’s sustainability ethos,” said Marty Hardinge, CEO of 5Pgroup.
“At 5Pgroup, we consider the full life span our point-of-sale products, including materials, use of technology, production and end-of-life.
“We are committed to a process of continuous innovation, and proud to be associated with such a proactive and tangible initiative, which is making a positive difference in reducing and recycling social plastic waste.”
The new product displays are being trialled in 51 Coles stores around the country, with the ambition to roll out to all Coles stores from 2024.
The announcement builds on Mars Wrigley’s commitment to creating a circular economy where plastic never becomes waste, with the company having recently announced it is transitioning its iconic Australian-made chocolate bars to fully recyclable paper-based packaging from April 2023.
