Mars Inc. has introduced recyclable mono polypropylene packaging for its WHISKAS cat food brand in the UK and Germany, replacing traditional multi-material pouches that present recycling challenges for consumers.
The new mono material pouches are designed to be compatible with current and emerging recycling infrastructure, addressing the recycling challenges posed by traditional pouches that combine inseparable plastic and aluminum materials. The polypropylene packaging maintains heat-resistant properties necessary for high-temperature sterilization while enabling recyclability.
Mars reports the new packaging has reduced the carbon footprint by 46% compared to the previous multi-material design. The company has initially launched the recyclable pouches with WHISKAS Tasty Mix Country Collection 12 Pack, available through all UK retailers and German retailer Rewe.
"We want to contribute to a circular economy where packaging material never becomes waste. The transition to mono material pouches has required ground-breaking, innovative material science and we will continue to drive innovation in packaging to help build the world we want tomorrow," said Elisabetta Pierangelo, VP R&D, Mars Pet Nutrition.
The packaging development supports Mars' Sustainable in a Generation Plan, which focuses on three areas: eliminating unnecessary packaging, redesigning for circularity, and investing to close the loop.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Mars Petcare is a family-owned company with approximately $55 billion in annual revenue. The company operates pet care, veterinary services and food divisions. Its pet care brands include Royal Canin, Pedigree, Whiskas and Cesar. Mars operates veterinary hospital networks Banfield, BluePearl, VCA and AniCura, providing preventive, general, specialty and emergency care. The company also owns Antech, a veterinary diagnostics business.
