FMCG major Mars has committed to ‘water balance’ at five of its manufacturing sites in Mexico by 2025 – targeting areas experiencing water scarcity. The sites, including Guadalajara, Montemorelos, Queretaro, Santa Catarina, and Toluca, will match every litre of water used with a litre of treated and recycled wastewater.
The operations selected currently produce pet foods and confectionery for the brands Pedigree, Whiskas, Snickers and M&Ms.
“Across the world, water availability is at a crisis point, and it’s being exacerbated by the effects of climate change,” said Grant Reid, Chief Executive Officer of Mars in a press release. “It’s clear we all have a critical part to play in mitigating our impact on water supplies, and to protect the health of global communities.”
“At Mars, this includes working to eliminate unsustainable water use across our entire value chain and taking action to ensure we mitigate the impact of our operations on high water-stressed regions,” he added.
Each plant will see a programme rollout training staff and updating infrastructure to improve water efficiency and achieve water circularity, which the major say will help to ensure treated wastewater is harnessed to reduce watershed stress. In the longer term, these programs are to be extended to operations in Asia and Africa.
The major has joined 30 other international businesses in the UN Global Compact CEO Water Mandate’s Water Resilience Coalition (WRC) – set up to tackle the global water crisis. According to the UN, over two billion people currently live in water stressed countries, with over 50% of our global population expected to be impacted by 2050 if conditions continue. As part of this drive, Mars has committed to eradicate unsustainable water use in its supply chain, with a 50% reduction expected for 2025.
“Mars’ commitment to reducing unsustainable water use and helping secure a sustainable supply of water for communities, farmers, business and nature illustrates how companies can integrate water into their core strategy,” Jason Morrison, President of the Pacific Institute and Head of the CEO Water Mandate said. “By joining the Water Resilience Coalition, Mars recognizes the business community’s opportunity to drive water resilience strategies in the face of climate change by sharing best practices, accelerating results and scaling impact through collective action around the world.”
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