Climate change is real and people around the world are beginning to feel its effects. This is not a statement of a passionate eco activist. This is what science says. Climate change is considered by the United Nations as one of the most pressing issues of our time, as it threatens the lives and livelihoods of billions of people. Living greener is not just a trend, it is an urgent necessity. Everyone can play their part in this process – both individuals and businesses. And even some products you use in your everyday life may have a huge impact. For example, your most favourite treats.

Climate change is a key topic also for one of the largest food producers in the world Mars, Inc., whose portfolio includes some of the most famous brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, Bounty, Orbit, Skittles, Pedigree, Whiskas. The company relies on science in order to develop sustainable policies and to contribute to tackling this global problem. The conclusion from the numerous research the food producer has conducted is that it must reduce the total GHG emissions across its whole value chain with 27 percent by 2025 and 67 percent by 2050 (from 2015 levels) to do its part to keep the planet from warming beyond 2 degrees Celsius (this is the global goal in the Paris Agreement). The results of scientific studies have evolved to long-term targets that the company is striving to achieve, as optimizing its whole value chain and activating all its associates around the world.

One of the greatest accomplishments of Mars is using renewable electricity to cover more than 50% of its total footprint. 100 percent of its operations in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States are powered by renewables. This means that some of your most favourite treats such as M&M’s, Snickers or Skittles might be made of wind or solar energy. Apart from the innovations in these 10 countries, Mars signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Total EREN to purchase 100 percent of its electricity in Australia from solar power, starting in 2020. 

As part of its full value chain goal, the company set a target to reduce its own operations emission (from factories and offices) with 42% by 2025 and reaching net-zero emissions (a 100% net reduction) by 2040. However, Mars realises that it cannot fully tackle its GHG emissions without improving how food is produced throughout its extended supply chain. That is why it is working to transform key supply chains by partnering with suppliers, farmers and other stakeholders to prevent deforestation and produce ingredients more efficiently and with a lower carbon footprint. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as efficient irrigation, resilient crops, and increased soil health not only improve environmental impacts, but also help farmers thrive.

In 2019, Mars launched its Palm Positive Plan, aiming to radically transform how it sources palm oil and halt deforestation in its palm oil supply chains. As a result, now the company uses 100% deforestation-free palm oil for its operations. The food producer has called on all its suppliers to take action to address climate change. They have committed to science-based targets, renewable energy and other actions that can help protect the environment. Mars supports all its suppliers in their efforts to make their operations more sustainable, as sharing with them knowhow and providing them with the necessary technology. Joint efforts are the only way towards a zero-carbon future and a healthier planet.

Climate change will probably be on the global agenda for long. The sooner we realize that this problem affects or will affect the lives of each one of us, the better. Climate change is not only about preserving the nature, it is about the well-being of every single person on this planet.