Mars Petcare UK announced it will partner with TerraCycle to establish a pet food packaging recycling program. The initiative, called the Pet Food Recycling Programme, is being led by Mars’ Whiskas and James Wellbeloved brands. Consumers can recycle specific kinds of packaging for free at several public drop-off locations around the UK. Packaging collected by TerraCycle will be repurposed into useful items, such as park benches and fence posts. 

 

Pet owners will be able to return packaging products in the following formats:

  • Wet pet food pouches
  • Flexible plastic packaging for care and treats products, such as James Wellbeloved Cracker Jacks or Whiskas Dentabites
  • Flexible plastic packaging for dry pet food, including Whiskas Dry Complete cat food and James Wellbeloved Grain Free products
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“The Petcare category is a uniquely emotive one and we know that pet owners are some of the most engaged and passionate consumers when it comes to issues that affect animals and our planet,” said Deri Watkins, managing director of Mars Petcare UK. “That’s why it is critical that the pet food industry responds to the challenges around recycling and plastic waste. Businesses like ours need to pioneer new responses to this problem and our new partnership with TerraCycle is an important part of this.”

Mars is encouraging other pet food manufacturers to join the program in hopes that more consumers will recycle pet food packaging through TerraCycle. “As an industry, we are stronger when we work together to tackle common problems,” Watkins added. “That’s why we want to open up this programme and are inviting other pet food manufacturers to partner with us and TerraCycle to develop the Pet Food Recycling Programme and expand its impact through wider collaboration. Together, we can develop innovative packaging solutions and dramatically reduce the environmental impact of the pet food industry.”

Mars has set forth a goal to make 100% of packaging recyclable by 2025. Today, 90% of Mars’ packaging is widely recyclable. Although the new partnership with TerraCycle is currently being offered by Mars Petcare only in the UK, the company has establishedits pet food manufacturing sites in the US as zero-waste-to-landfill facilities.

Lauren Cucuron, general manager of TerraCycle Europe, said, “We’re excited to be working with Mars Petcare brands Whiskas and James Wellbeloved to launch the UK – and Europe’s – first nationwide recycling programme for pet food packaging.”

TerraCycle works globally to collect and repurpose non-recyclable post-consumer waste. The company partners with over 100 major brands across 21 countries to reimagine waste into new eco-friendly materials and products. It launched in the UK in 2009.

Mars Petcare is a global pet food manufacturer that maintains a portfolio of nearly 50 brands and does business in more than 50 countries. The company also provides veterinary health care through a network of more than 2,000 hospitals. 

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