Schmackos’ 200g and 500g single variety packs of Strapz and Stix now feature packaging made from 60% recycled plastic.
According to the brand, this reduction in the use of virgin plastic underscores Mars Petcare’s commitment to sustainability. As a result of the initiative, Schmackos is expected to reduce its annual use of virgin plastics by 40 tonnes.
“Mars Petcare is invested in creating a circular economy for soft plastics in Australia and globally and we’re proud to be one of the first in our industry to make such a large, quantifiable change in our packaging,” says Mars Petcare Australia Research and Development Director Mark Harry.
“It is a great step towards our targets in Mars’ $1 billion Sustainable in a Generation plan, which aims to reduce virgin plastic use and incorporate 30% recycled plastic into our packaging.
“The new Schmackos packaging is not only reducing our use of virgin plastics, but it’s also signalling to the rest of the industry that there is a growing demand for recycled content and advanced recycling technologies in Australia and New Zealand.
“We hope that other pet brands will be able to benefit from an increased supply and join us in sourcing more recycled content for their packaging. We know this is not only great for the environment but for pet parents who are interested in making informed decisions based on how sustainable a product or brand is.”
The new Schmackos packaging is certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) system, guaranteeing that the material reliably includes through a certified mass balance approach. The ISCC Plus certification scheme supports new technologies that convert hard-to-recycle materials into new plastic, contributing to a more sustainable world.
The new packaging is now on shelf in Coles ahead of a market wide roll out which will include NZ later this year.