In a significant move towards sustainable packaging, MasterFoods™ has initiated a trial of innovative paper-based Squeeze-On Tomato Sauce packs in Australia. These new packs, designed to be recyclable through traditional curbside recycling, contain 58% less plastic than their predecessors, marking a substantial reduction in plastic usage.

Developed over five years with an investment of $3 million, the paper-based packs aim to maintain the convenience and functionality that consumers expect. Users can easily dispense the sauce by locating the 'this side up' icon, pulling the ends towards themselves, folding, and squeezing. After use, the empty packs can be placed directly into recycling bins, simplifying the disposal process and promoting environmental responsibility.

The trial, running from November 2024 to April 2025, will distribute over a million units across various venues, including sporting stadiums, petrol stations, mining sites, and pie shops. This extensive testing phase is designed to gather valuable data on the packaging's performance and consumer recycling behaviors, aiding in the refinement of the product for potential broader implementation.

Bill Heague, General Manager of Mars Food & Nutrition Australia, emphasized the trial's role in the company's sustainability efforts, stating, "The trial of paper-based MasterFoods Recyclable Squeeze-On Tomato Sauce packs marks another important milestone in Mars’ sustainability journey and demonstrates the role the food industry can play in working towards a circular economy." He noted that with over 240 million Squeeze-On packs used annually, transitioning the entire portfolio to this new format could eliminate approximately 190 tonnes of plastic from Mars Australia's value chain each year.

Collaboration with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has been integral to the trial's design, ensuring that the new packaging aligns with national sustainability goals. Chris Foley, CEO of APCO, commended Mars for its collaborative approach, highlighting the importance of real-world testing to ensure effective post-consumer recycling.

The innovative packaging was developed in partnership with Easysnap Technology, an Italian company specializing in recyclable one-handed packaging solutions. Andrea Taglini, CEO of Easysnap Technology, expressed enthusiasm about introducing their paper-based technology to Australian consumers, underscoring the necessity of cooperation among packaging producers, brand owners, customers, and the waste industry to achieve a truly circular economy.

This initiative follows Mars Australia's previous sustainability efforts, including the introduction of paper-based wrappers for its Australian-made chocolate bars in 2023 and the use of packaging made from 60% recycled plastic in certain pet food products. The current trial represents a continued commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing towards a more sustainable future.