Mars Wrigley has initiated a trial of a new sustainable display material, termed “Cocoa Cardboard,” in collaboration with Tesco. This innovative material is composed of waste cocoa bean shells and recycled paper, eliminating the need for virgin tree fibers. The trial represents the second stage of Mars Wrigley’s pilot program, following a successful initial trial in 2021 with its first 'Bean Board.' The Cocoa Cardboard displays are designed to perform comparably to traditional virgin-fiber materials while offering significant environmental benefits, including a 94% reduction in land usage, a 59% reduction in water usage, and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The development of Cocoa Cardboard aligns with Mars Wrigley’s broader sustainability goals, particularly its commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The trial involves the deployment of 75 pairs of display units in Tesco stores in Scotland, with an additional 690 pairs to be introduced in stores across England and Wales. This initiative is part of Mars Wrigley’s “Sustainable in a Generation” plan, which aims to enhance the sustainability of its manufacturing and supply chain processes.
Image Credit: Mars Wrigley
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sustainable Display Solutions
- The trial of Cocoa Cardboard is emblematic of a growing move towards eco-friendly retail displays.
- Waste Material Repurposing
- Turning waste cocoa bean shells into viable commercial materials illustrates innovative waste reduction techniques.
- Net Zero Commitment
- Mars Wrigley's initiative signals broader industry efforts towards achieving net zero emissions through sustainable practices.
Where This Applies
- Sustainable Manufacturing
- Usage of Cocoa Cardboard highlights advancements in manufacturing processes that drastically reduce environmental impact.
- Eco-friendly Retail
- The introduction of sustainable display units in stores represents a shift towards more environmentally conscious retail practices.
- Waste Management
- Repurposing waste materials for commercial products pushes the boundaries of traditional waste management systems.
