Global food and pet care manufacturer Mars has launched a new sustainability plan, which aims to tackle climate change, poverty in the value chain, and scarcity of resources.
With the 'Sustainable in a Generation' programme, Mars plans to invest $1 billion over the next few years, with a focus on 'essential drivers of sustainable growth'.
"While many companies have been working on being more sustainable, the current level of progress is nowhere near enough," said Mars CEO Grant F. Reid.
"Mars has been in business for four generations and intends to be for the next four generations. The only way that will happen is if we do things differently to ensure that the planet is healthy and all people in our extended supply chain have the opportunity to thrive."
Pushing Boundaries
The goals of the 'Sustainable in a Generation' plan include, reducing environmental impacts and focusing on climate action, improving the lives of the one million people who work in the company's value chain, and advancing science, innovation and marketing in ways that help people lead healthier lives.
“We know we cannot grow and prosper unless the planet, people and communities on which we rely are healthy and thriving," said Barry Parkin, the company's chief sustainability, health and wellbeing officer.
"Doing what’s right, not just doing better, is at the very core of our new plan. It’s about pushing the boundaries and extending our bold ambitions across our extended supply chain."
The company notes that collaboration is necessary to create change, and has built new partnerships to find solutions for sustainable growth. Together with Danone and other companies, Mars co-founded the Livelihoods Fund for Family Farming, which will invest €120 million to develop sustainable agriculture projects.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
