Mars and Mondelēz show progress on greener packaging while facing challenges in meeting key 2025 targets
Chicago, Illinois, 19 June 2026 – As sustainability becomes a top priority across the consumer goods industry, major food companies are working to reduce their environmental impact through better packaging solutions. Recent sustainability reports from Mars and Mondelēz highlight both progress and challenges as they move toward their 2025 packaging goals.
For years, global brands have committed to making packaging more recyclable, reducing virgin plastic use, and increasing the use of recycled materials. These efforts are driven by growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products as well as increasing pressure to reduce packaging waste.
Mondelēz, the company behind popular snack brands such as Oreo and Ritz, reported continued progress in its sustainable packaging journey. The company stated that approximately 96 percent of its packaging is now designed to be recyclable, bringing it closer to its long-term sustainability objectives. The company has also reduced its overall use of virgin plastic compared with its 2020 baseline. However, some goals remain difficult to achieve, particularly those involving recycled plastic content and reductions in rigid plastic packaging.
Industry experts note that sourcing sufficient quantities of high-quality recycled materials remains a challenge for many manufacturers. Technical limitations, supply chain constraints, and varying recycling infrastructures across regions continue to slow progress toward ambitious packaging targets.
Mars has also continued investing in packaging innovation as part of its broader sustainability strategy. The company has focused on reducing packaging waste, increasing recyclability, and supporting circular economy initiatives designed to keep materials in use for longer periods.
The reports reflect a wider industry trend. While many companies have made meaningful progress, several organizations are finding that meeting ambitious sustainability deadlines is more complex than originally expected. Packaging redesign requires collaboration across suppliers, manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers, making large-scale transformation a long-term effort.
Despite these challenges, sustainability remains a key focus area for the packaging sector. Companies continue to invest in new materials, recycling technologies, and innovative packaging designs that can help reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality and safety.
As the 2025 deadline approaches, the industry is expected to accelerate efforts to improve packaging performance, increase recycled content, and develop solutions that support a more circular and sustainable future. The journey may be challenging, but the commitment to reducing packaging waste continues to reshape the future of consumer goods packaging.
