Global food giant Mars is making a bold move to reshape the carbon footprint of its supply chain with a US$250 million investment targeting low-carbon technologies in food, packaging, and raw material manufacturing.

Announced as part of its Sustainable in a Generation Plan, Mars’s new Sustainability Investment Fund will back innovations aimed at transforming how ingredients are grown, processed, and packaged. With more than 70% of its greenhouse gas emissions coming from purchased goods and services—primarily farming and raw material sourcing—the company is focusing on the areas that matter most.

“It is imperative that we continue to perform on our promises and in doing so prove that sustainability is good for business,” says Alastair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars.

Digitally enhanced farming and supply chain transparency

Key to the initiative is the use of digital tools to reduce emissions at the agricultural stage. Mars plans to support remote sensing technologies, satellite monitoring, and digital farm management systems that can track inputs like fertilizer and monitor land use, reducing deforestation and inefficient resource application.

The company is also diversifying its ingredient sourcing strategies by investing in climate-resilient crops and shifting production to regions with lower environmental impact. These changes ripple through the entire supply chain, from field to factory, supporting more efficient and sustainable manufacturing.

Packaging transformation: the next frontier

Currently, 60% of Mars’s customer-facing packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable. However, flexible plastic—common across Mars’s product range—remains a significant hurdle. Unlike rigid plastic, it’s difficult to recycle with current infrastructure.

The fund aims to support the development of alternative materials that are both functionally suitable and low in emissions. This includes innovations in paper, cardboard, and next-generation flexible materials that can be deployed across global product lines without compromising quality or shelf life.

Dual focus on sustainability and performance

Alongside packaging innovation, Mars is also betting on new ingredients, such as plant-based proteins that reduce dependence on animal-based inputs. These ingredients are not only less resource-intensive but also align with shifting consumer preferences toward sustainability and health.

“Sustainability at Mars is part of our strategy and an intentional focus in our execution.” – Marc Carena, Regional President, Mars Wrigley Europe

Mars has already cut its total emissions by 16.4% since 2015 while growing its business by 69%, proving that environmental responsibility and commercial success can go hand in hand.

Looking toward 2030 and beyond

The company has extended its deadline for making all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable to 2030, acknowledging the slow development of global recycling systems. Nevertheless, Mars emphasizes continued action and cross-industry collaboration to achieve systemic change.

“We’re firmly committed not just to targets in a distant future but to delivering progress now,” Child states. “This requires embedding impact goals into core business decisions and working with partners across governments, industry, and agriculture.”

With its Sustainability Investment Fund, Mars is signaling not just ambition but a concrete plan to shift the food and packaging industry toward a more sustainable future—backed by investment, innovation, and accountability.