AUSTRALIA | MasterFoods has announced a significant step forward in its sustainability journey with a trial of new paper-based packaging.
The MasterFoods Recyclable Squeeze-On Tomato Sauce packs have been made at Mars Food and Nutrition’s manufacturing site in Wyong on the Central Coast.
The new paper-based packs contain 58 percent less plastic than the original MasterFoods Squeeze-On packs, contributing to Mars Australia’s aim of creating a circular economy and working towards Australia’s National Packaging Targets.
This innovation resulted from five years of research and development trials, with $3 million invested in the project. This was a significant undertaking to ensure that the new paper-based packs were as easy to use as the much-loved originals.
MasterFoods prioritised ensuring that Tomato Sauce lovers could still hold a pie in one hand and their sauce in the other. To use, simply find the icon ‘this side up’ on the pack, pull the ends towards you, fold, and squeeze.
After use, consumers can put the empty paper-based pack in a recycling bin instead of general waste. The new MasterFoods paper-based packs have made it easy-squeezy for consumers to recycle without compromising on the taste of Australia’s favourite tomato sauce.
“The trial of paper-based MasterFoods Recyclable Squeeze-On Tomato Sauce packs marks another important milestone in Mars’ sustainability journey and demonstrates the food industry's role in working towards a circular economy. Over 240 million of our MasterFoods Squeeze-On packs are used yearly– nine packs for every Australian,” said General Manager of Mars Food and Nutrition Australia, Bill Heague.
“We know that as we work towards more sustainable packaging, it’s important that we understand how it performs in the market – with consumers, customers and through the packaging value chain. This trial will allow us to understand better how this new paper-recyclable squeeze-on performs to take these learnings forward. If we transition our full portfolio to this new format over time, Mars Australia would be set to eliminate around 190 tonnes of plastic from our value chain a year.”
The trial, designed in partnership with APCO, will allow MasterFoods to collect important data on the new pack's performance, including how best to educate consumers to recycle the product after use.
Chris Foley, CEO of APCO, said MasterFoods Recyclable Squeeze-On Tomato Sauce packs were a prime example of innovation within the food industry to meet packaging targets.
The innovative packaging, a first in the Australian market, has been designed and produced in partnership with Easysnap Technology, a leading global flexible packaging company.
"I commend Mars for collaborating with APCO throughout the development process, taking a thoughtful and iterative approach to trial and refine the new packaging format,” said Foley.
“This trial will help ensure the packaging can be effectively recycled for post-consumer use by focusing on real-world testing. We look forward to seeing the results and continuing to support their efforts to achieve the best environmental outcomes for their packaging."
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