Mars hopes to have the new biodegradable packaging on shelves late this year or early next, and has set a longer-term target of reaching 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025.
The first prototypes will be launched in North America and eventually rolled out to markets with underdeveloped recycling infrastructure.
“The impact of plastic on nature is one of the major sustainability challenges of our generation. There are no simple solutions and transformational innovation is necessary, we have to think and act differently,” said Alastair Child, Mars Wrigley VP of Global Sustainability. “Collaborating with Danimer to advance this breakthrough technology represents a major step to creating positive societal impact and better environmental outcomes across the full lifecycle of small, flexible packaging.”