Three of the world's favorite candy brands just made a huge change to their iconic products: 'Essential'
Three of the world's favorite candies — M&M's, Skittles, and Starburst — are officially getting a major sustainability upgrade. Candy maker Mars, Inc. recently announced that it's rolling out new packaging for its candy jars made with 100% recycled plastic, and they're already hitting shelves across the country.
The move is a joint effort with packaging company Berry Global, and it's a sweet win for both candy lovers and the environment. According to the announcement, the recycled plastic will be used in 60-ounce, 81-ounce, and 87-ounce-sized pantry jars (the ones with the square easy-grip shape), and the switch eliminates more than 1,430 tons of new plastic production annually.
This is good news because plastic is made from dirty fuels like oil and coal, which generate pollution that overheats our planet and is harmful to our health.
Plastics don't break down. Instead, they erode into microplastics that contaminate our environment, water, and food and eventually build up in our bodies. The problem is getting worse — a recent study found that human brain samples from 2024 contained about 50% more plastic than samples from 2016.
By switching to recycled plastic, Mars is helping tackle the plastic waste problem and cut back on planet-heating gas pollution, which is a step toward protecting our communities from extreme weather events that are being supercharged by rising global temperatures. Candy consumers can also play a part by tossing the empty jars back in the recycling bin.
While scaling recycled packaging across the world is still a major undertaking, this move shows what's possible when big companies invest in sustainable design. Many big brands have made steps to reduce their plastic footprint, such as Coca-Cola updating to recycled plastic 20-ounce bottles and Google phasing out plastic packaging.
To learn how to support similar efforts, check out this guide to eco-friendly initiatives by other big brands and learn how to support brands with plastic-free packaging.
"In the world we want tomorrow, no packaging becomes waste, but is instead reused, recycled or composted," said Allison Lin, global vice president of packaging sustainability at Mars. "Using recycled content incentivizes increased collection systems and recycling infrastructure, which is essential for a circular economy."
When you think about a product's packaging, which of these factors is more important to you?
The way it looks
The information it provides
The waste it produces
I don't think about packaging at all
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
15 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Specialities Inc. Introducing All Natural Bellentani Products
MILLINGTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Specialities, Inc. is thrilled to announce the arrival of the All-Natural line of Bellentani cured meat products, a premium Italian delicacy crafted with tradition and authenticity. Beginning July 2025, these exceptional items will be available to consumers nationwide, offering an unparalleled taste experience at an affordable retail price of $6.99 for a 3-oz package (price may vary by variety and location). Our Handcrafted Prosciutto is made with simple ingredients -- Bellentani Prosciutto is minimally processed, free from artificial ingredients, and delivers the rich, savory flavor that has made Italian prosciutto a beloved staple. Produced by Bellentani, a family-owned Company, a heritage brand dating back to 1821 in Modena, Italy, this prosciutto represents centuries of expertise and a commitment to excellence. We are proud to introduce this all-natural prosciutto that stays true to traditional Italian methods, ensuring the highest quality and purity in every slice. Whether enjoyed on a charcuterie board, layered in a sandwich, or paired with fresh fruit and cheese, All Natural Bellentani Prosciutto delivers an unmatched flavor experience for every occasion. Exclusively distributed by Specialities, Inc., All Natural Bellentani Prosciutto has the highest standards of safety and quality. To learn more about this exciting launch, visit or contact Specialities, Inc. at 1-908-647-6485. About Specialities, Inc. Based in Millington, NJ, Specialities, Inc. is a trusted distributor dedicated to bringing high-quality, authentic food products to consumers. With a focus on excellence and tradition, the company continues to deliver premium selections from renowned brands worldwide. Please join us on June 29 – July 1st, 2025, at the Summer Fancy Food Show in the JAVITS CENTER, NYC, to learn more about this and other innovative products.
Business Wire
15 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Specialities Inc. Partnership with Fromagerie Milleret
MILLINGTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Specialities ®, Inc. is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Fromagerie Milleret of France. Founded in 1921 in Franche-Comté by Henri Milleret, the cheese factory continues to be family-owned and has been dedicated to cheese production for three generations. One of the standout features of Fromagerie Milleret is its commitment to quality milk. All the milk used in their cheeses is sourced from local farms within an average radius of 40 km from the dairy and is processed within 48 hours of collection. The predominant Montbéliarde breed of cows, recognized for their distinctive white coats with brown spots, contributes to the exceptional quality of their milk. Fromagerie Milleret specializes in fine cheeses, particularly their signature tender, soft-ripened cheese made with summer truffles from Italy. Their creamy Brie cheese, which is free from colors, preservatives, or additives, exemplifies the excellence of cheese produced by Fromagerie Milleret. With Milleret Fromagerie as a valued partner, Specialities, Inc. will continue to provide U.S. consumers with wonderful opportunities to discover new and exciting products. Founded in 1991, Specialities, Inc. is a respected importer, distributor, and category builder of specialty, value-added food products for the U.S. deli and specialty markets, as well as select quality-driven food service distributors. Our best-in-class products are sourced from both domestic and international origins. Please join us on June 28 – July 1st, 2025, at the Summer Fancy Food Show in the JAVITS CENTER, NYC, to learn more about this and other innovative products.
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Schneider celebrates 90 years of bold innovation, growth and industry leadership
Company hosts anniversary event today honoring legacy and looking ahead GREEN BAY, Wis., June 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From a single truck in 1935 to a premier multimodal provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE: SNDR), celebrates 90 years of bold evolution, resilience and service excellence. Today, June 12, the company is marking this milestone with a special event at its Green Bay headquarters honoring its rich history, the people who have driven its success, and its promising future. Founded by Al Schneider with a vision to build something extraordinary, the company has grown into a multimodal powerhouse with 19,400 associates and 12,500 trucks, logging over 9 million freight miles daily — the equivalent of circling the globe 370 times. "Reaching 90 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication of our current and former associates," said Schneider President and CEO Mark Rourke. "From Al Schneider's first delivery to our nearly 14,000 company drivers today, our story is one of innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to providing safe and reliable service to our customers." A Legacy of Firsts Schneider has repeatedly reshaped the supply chain through industry-defining advancements: 1958: Schneider secured its first interstate authority, expanding beyond Wisconsin and laying the groundwork for a national footprint. 1980: Schneider successfully navigates deregulation after the Motor Carrier Act is passed. 1982: Schneider Communications, Inc. is formed to provide drivers long-distance telephone service. 1986: The company revolutionized trucking by becoming the first to equip its fleet with two-way in-cab satellite communication, eliminating the need for drivers to stop and use pay phones for assignments. 1991: Recognizing the growing need for diversified transportation services, Schneider launched its Intermodal operations. 1992: Mexico City office opens to serve cross-border customers. 1993: Building on its commitment to providing end-to-end supply chain solutions, Schneider founded Schneider Logistics, Inc. 2001: Schneider Brokerage started. 2017: Schneider went public, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth. 2020: Schneider FreightPower® portal for shippers, carriers and owner-operators launches. 2022: Schneider acquires Midwest Logistics Systems. 2023: Schneider becomes the first major carrier to fully operationalize a battery electric fleet in California; The Grove Innovation Center opens in Green Bay; M&M Transport Services is acquired. 2024: Schneider acquires Cowan Systems, significantly expanding Dedicated services to nearly 8,600 trucks. The company establishes a preferred rail partnership with recently formed CPKC. 2025: Schneider celebrates its 90th anniversary. Honoring Excellence Today's event includes the induction of 30 new drivers to Schneider's Haul of Fame, a special recognition for those who have achieved at least 3 million safe driving miles or 20 consecutive years without a preventable accident. For the first time in company history, five company drivers will receive their 4 million safe mile awards in the same year, and one driver achieved 5 million safe miles. There are only 435 drivers who have earned a plaque on the Haul of Fame wall, which underscores what a rare achievement it is and how important it is in Schneider's deep-rooted culture of safety. Driving the Future As Schneider looks ahead, it continues to invest in strategic growth areas, including intermodal and cross-border services, particularly in Mexico, as well as further organic and acquisitive growth in Dedicated services. The company remains focused on delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving demands of the global supply chain. "We're not just celebrating our past — we're accelerating into the future," said Rourke. "Our strong foundation in service, safety and operational excellence, paired with our associates and an openness to change anything but our values, ensures we'll continue to set the standard for decades to come." Note to Media: Video, soundbite with Executive Vice President and Group President of Transportation and Logistics Jim Filter and photos are available for download at: About Schneider Schneider is a premier multi-modal provider of transportation and logistics services. Offering one of the broadest portfolios in the industry, Schneider's solutions include Regional and Long-Haul Truckload, Expedited, Dedicated, Bulk, Intermodal, Brokerage, Warehousing, Supply Chain Management, Port Logistics and Logistics Consulting. Schneider has been safely delivering superior customer experiences and investing in innovation for 90 years. The company's digital marketplace, Schneider FreightPower®, is revolutionizing the industry giving shippers access to an expanded, highly flexible capacity network and provides carriers with unmatched access to quality drop-and-hook freight – Always Delivering, Always Ahead. For more information about Schneider, visit or follow the company socially on Facebook, LinkedIn and X: @WeAreSchneider. Source: Schneider SNDR View source version on Contacts Kara Leiterman, Public Relations ManagerM 920-370-7188media@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
