Mars sustainability score: 36/100

Mars reports Scope 1 (~782Kt) and Scope 2 (~402Kt market-based) emissions annually via GHG Protocol methodology. Achieved 34% reduction against 2015 baseline by end 2023. Multi-year tracking published in Sustainable in a Generation Report and CDP submissions, but third-party limited assurance verification status remains unclear.

Mars reports full Scope 3 emissions at ~28Mt (2023), representing 96% of total footprint. Agriculture accounts for ~60%. Company engages 20,000+ suppliers through S-LoCT programme to set science-based targets. Mapped 310,000+ cocoa plots and runs 60+ climate-smart agriculture projects across 29 countries. Year-on-year Scope 3 reduction verification incomplete across all categories.

Total value chain emissions fell from ~34.5Mt (2015) to ~29Mt (2024): 16.4% absolute reduction. Peaked 2018, showing consistent year-on-year declines (8% in 2023, 1.9% in 2024) while revenue grew 69%. Rate must roughly triple to hit 50% by 2030 target.

58% of electricity from renewables in 2024. RE100 member targeting 100% by 2040. Multiple long-term PPAs signed (Texas wind, Scottish wind, Australian solar, Mexican wind, Enel solar). Full renewable electricity in US, UK, Australia, Mexico, and several European operations. 2040 target includes thermal energy, remaining a challenge.

Scored 4/5 on Forest 500 ranking (#6 overall for deforestation commitments). Detailed policies for cocoa, palm, soy, beef, pulp/paper; member of Cocoa & Forests Initiative. Mapped 310,000+ cocoa plots. However, RAN criticized deforestation-free palm claims as greenwash. Not a TNFD early adopter. Agriculture remains ~60% of footprint.

64.1% consumer packaging designed reusable/recyclable/compostable (up from 61% in 2023), but will miss 2025 Ellen MacArthur targets. Only 20% actually RRC in practice (2022). Incorporated 14,000 metric tons recycled plastic in 2024; eliminated 350 tons via format optimization. Circular initiatives remain small-scale.

Context-based target to halve gap to sustainable usage by 2025 achieved 36% reduction. UN CEO Water Mandate member using Alliance for Water Stewardship framework. SARI programme in Thailand reduced rice farming water 41–56%. Mars acknowledges it will fall short of 50% target. Agricultural footprint remains substantial; verification incomplete.

SBTi-validated: 50% value chain reduction by 2030, 80% by 2050, net zero by 2050. Scope 1+2 targets: 63% by 2030, 90% by 2040 (1.5°C aligned). All absolute, not intensity-based. Over $1B committed to decarbonisation. Discontinued carbon-neutral product claims when demand faltered. First land removals 2024 (<0.15% of footprint); 20% residual for high-quality removals.

Annual Sustainable in a Generation reports since 2017 with detailed emissions data. CDP annual reporting since 2013. Chief Sustainability Officer and climate officer appointed. 20% of ~2,000 leader remuneration tied to GHG reduction. Trade association memberships disclosed. Not subject to shareholder votes (private company); no TCFD/CSRD publication or B Corp certification.

AMV BBDO whistleblower lawsuit alleging greenwashing in Galaxy and Sheba advertising (unresolved). RAN criticized deforestation-free palm claims as greenwash. Multiple child labour allegations in cocoa supply chain. Ukraine NACP listed Mars as 'international sponsor of war' for continued Russia operations. $27.4M regulatory penalties since 2000 across 62 records. Positive climate lobbying via BICEP mitigates partially.