Mars looks to cut greenhouse gases from its supply chain to protect the planet

Mars say it aims to cut emissions from its supply chain by 67 per cent by 2050 and is looking into eliminating exploitative labour practices

The maker of Mars bar commits to curbing climate change despite a shift in tone from US policy (REUTERS)

Confectionery manufacturer Mars is aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions and address other sustainability issues across its supply chain in a bid to help meet goals from the Paris climate agreement.

Mars is one of a number of US firms, including Walmart and Apple, that have committed to curbing climate change even as sentiment on the issue shifts in Washington.

US corporations including Home Depot and General Mills are now major users of renewable energy like solar and wind.

The McLean, Virginia-based firm plans to spend $1bn as it expands its sustainability goals beyond previously announced targets to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 from its level in 2007.

“We expect to have a competitive advantage from a more resource efficient supply chain,” Mars chief executive Grant F Reid said in a statement.

The company now said it will cut greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 67 per cent by 2050.

Some companies have reaffirmed their commitment to battle climate change in recent months, after President Donald Trump said in June the United States would withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. The move drew praise from fossil fuel groups but criticism from others.

Mars has been sequencing genomes for crops like cocoa to make the plants more productive and has begun to have conversations with suppliers including mint oil manufacturers on potentially transitioning to renewable energy, said Andy Pharoah, Mars Vice President of Corporate Affairs. The company already uses renewable energy to power its operations in US and UK markets.

Mars is also targeting reducing poverty in the production of some of its core crops, namely cocoa, rice and mint, and addressing human rights violations in cocoa, palm oil, and fish.

Exploitative labour and deforestation have been persistent issues for crops like cocoa and palm oil, two major ingredients for Mars’ chocolate bars. In addition to sweets like M&M’s and Snickers, the company makes pet food and Uncle Ben’s rice.

“Forced labour has no place in our supply chain, so we are very focused on making progress against that,” said Mr Pharoah. “There’s a whole range of activities on that. That starts with being open and transparent and calling it out.”

Reuters