Mars Wrigley Australia has revealed its latest results and achievements across its sustainability initiatives as the confectionery manufacturer begins cocoa research in Far North Queensland.
Mars Wrigley's Cocoa for Generations Program and Sustainable in a Generation Plan initiatives are key performance indicators for the snacks and treats manufacturer, with the past year seeing acceleration towards the brand’s sustainability goals.
Advancements detailed in the Cocoa for Generations Report included significant progress on its Women for Change program and key deforestation-free milestones.
The company sourced 61 per cent of cocoa through its Responsible Cocoa program and is on track to reach its goal of 100 per cent by 2025.
Through its suppliers, Mars Wrigley also distributed more than 1.9 million new non-cocoa trees in 2021, helping to increase shade and biodiversity and assist in carbon capture.
In collaboration with CARE, the Cocoa for Generations Women for Change program has reached more than 77,000 members in cocoa farming communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
The program aims to empower women and girls in cocoa supply chains and Mars Wrigley says it is critical to long-term sustainability. This effort has supported almost 58,000 women, resulting in over $7.4 million in collective savings and over $3.7 million in loans distributed.
The confectionery maker has also recently released its Sustainable in a Generation scorecard for 2021.
Since launching the initiative in 2017, the annual scorecard provides a year-over-year review of progress around the business’ sustainability goals.
Key results from the scorecard include:
- 6.1 per cent reduction in emissions across the entire Mars value chain;
- 53 per cent of electricity is drawn from renewable sources;
- 24 per cent reduction in unsustainable water use, in line to achieve 2025 target of a 50 per cent reduction;
- Mars reached more than 442,200 people through human rights and income efforts and worked to positively impact 61,250 farmers through increased incomes;
- 43 per cent of Mars packaging is now designed for recycling for infrastructure that exists today or is likely to exist in the near future.
Locally, the company is conducting agricultural research in Far North Queensland to unearth sustainable cocoa production methods. Mars has partnered with James Cook University (JCU) to study the integration of cocoa within sustainable agroforestry systems. The research is an Australian first, paving the way for sustainable production of cocoa globally.
The research plot is located in Cairns at JCU, with Mars Wrigley is leading and funding the research, receiving the results of the soil survey, and allowing interested parties to monitor and understand soil changes over time.
The purpose of this research project is to look at how cocoa trees grow and perform under syntropic management, as compared to the monocultured system that cocoa farmers have previously been advised to grow cocoa.
If it can be demonstrated that there are some simple syntropic management practices that can lead to increased soil health and fertility, Mars Wrigley will adopt these practices and principles in its cocoa supply chains.
Mars Wrigley Australia director of R&D Chris Hutton says the program aims to revolutionise cocoa productions in supply chains around the world.
“The syntropic ecosystem we’re creating in Far North Queensland is the only site in Australia that is investigating this type of syntropic agriculture to support cocoa farmers. By investing in this research as part of the Cocoa for Generations program, we aim to unlock further understanding on how to best grow cocoa sustainably enrich the lives of cocoa farmers, their families and communities around the world,” said Hutton.
