Mars Wrigley reveals plan for compostable packaging for its candy brands

Mars Wrigley said that it has teamed up with biotech company Danimer Scientific to develop home compostable packaging for some of its most popular candy products.

The first Mars Wrigley product to be packaged in the environmentally friendly material will be Skittles. Skittles are expected to ship with the new packaging by late 2021 or early 2022.

Danimer Scientific's signature packaging, Nodax (polyhydroxyalkanoate – PHA), is produced through natural fermentation processes using such plant oils as soy and canola, and biodegrades in both soil and marine environments.

Mars said it will continue to evaluate opportunities to scale this sustainable packaging technology across its portfolio of brands and categories, according to a press release.

Danimer and Mars Wrigley plan to introduce Nodax PHA in flexible and rigid packaging that "reliably" breaks down in both industrial composting facilities and backyard compost units.

Go here for further information on Mars' approach to sustainable packaging.