Mars, Incorporated, has unveiled "The Mars Net Zero Roadmap," a comprehensive plan to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. The roadmap includes an ambitious target to cut emissions by 50 percent by 2030, based on a 2015 baseline, as verified by the Science-Based Targets Initiative.
Mars aims to reduce its emissions by 50 percent by 2030, building on an 8 percent reduction in absolute terms (2.6 million metric tons) from a 2015 baseline, despite a 60 percent growth in business during that time. The company's emissions peaked in 2018.
It plans to invest over US$1 billion in the next three years and will continue to allocate financial resources as needed until achieving Net Zero by 2050.
The roadmap outlines critical areas, including transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy, stopping deforestation in supply chains, promoting climate-smart agriculture, optimising recipes for lower GHG footprints, improving logistics, and embedding climate action in the business.
The roadmap is positioned as an open-source strategy that other companies can use to implement Net Zero actions immediately. It emphasises covering all emissions, prioritising performance over promises, setting real milestones, making impactful decisions, and addressing unavoidable emissions with high-quality carbon credits.
Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch highlighted the critical nature of the next seven years. He emphasised the responsibility of current CEOs to deliver actual emission reductions and put businesses on a clear path to Net Zero by 2050. He stated that the commitment to a 50 percent reduction by 2030 is achievable and necessary.
The announcement comes after a global Ipsos survey commissioned by Mars revealed that, despite challenging economic circumstances, 69 percent of adults across seven major economies believe businesses should focus the same amount or more on tackling climate change than economic challenges.
While the announcement primarily focuses on emissions reduction, Mars is known for its broader sustainability initiatives. For instance, it has previously committed to sustainable packaging solutions, aligning with global efforts to address plastic waste.
This roadmap reflects Mars' commitment to addressing climate change and aligns with global calls for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. It emphasises a pragmatic approach with clear targets and substantial investments to drive meaningful change across the value chain.
