In the pet food segment, Mars uses raw materials made exclusively of meat from animals that have been approved for consumption by humans, but which is practically no longer used for human consumption on account of our current eating habits.
In terms of the sustainable use of fish as a raw material, Mars has reviewed its recipes for fishes that are on the Red List of Endangered Animal Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Consequently, a number of species, such as the Big Eye Tuna and Swordfish, are no longer processed. Mars aims to exclusively use fish from sustainable sources in the future.
Mars Drinks has also initiated a sustainability program. With 'Brighter Tomorrow at Origin', Mars Drinks has been directly engaged in the source countries of their coffee and tea since 2006, with the aim of increasing product quality and improving the working and living conditions of local farmers. Part of the money generated from selling products with the 'Brighter Tomorrow' seal is invested in social and economic projects in these growing regions. Furthermore, Mars Drinks has launched KLIX® and FLAVIA® coffee products carrying the seal of the environmental organization Rainforest Alliance®. Coffee with the Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM seal is only grown on plantations that are certified according to social, economic and ecological criteria using sustainable practices. As such, protection of sensitive ecosystems, preservation of the biodiversity, sustainable safeguarding of the habitat used by people, animals and plants as well as protecting the rights and well-being of the workers, their families and communities are at the forefront.
In the area of palm oil production, Mars deals only with suppliers who have respect for the environment, and the company is committed to working with all stakeholders in order to make progress towards more sustainable production. We support the environment and the sustainable production of palm oil. Currently, we ONLY use palm oil suppliers that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). We are going even further with our aim to achieve 100% RSPO certified palm oil originating from sustainable sources by 2015.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a non-profit association, works to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil within the supply chain and maintain an open dialogue between its stakeholders. More information on the RSPO can be found at http://www.rspo.org/
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