What Will Mars’ Enel Deal Achieve in Clean Energy?
Mars is advancing its Renewable Acceleration initiative by partnering with the energy company Enel.
With a focus on sustainable practices, Mars emphasises creating partnerships and responsibly sourcing raw materials.
Since launching the Generation Plan in 2017, Mars has aimed to contribute positively to global sustainability through innovative energy solutions.
Shifting towards clean energy
Globally known for confectionery and pet food, Mars is also recognised for its integration of sustainable practices across its operations and supply chains.
Collaborating with Enel, the company is taking significant steps towards reducing its carbon footprint through its Renewable Acceleration programme.
“Many large companies are well on their way to sourcing renewable electricity for their own operations, but that’s just a part of the picture,” Kevin Rabinovitch, Global VP Sustainability at Mars says.
“For Mars, Renewable Acceleration is a performance accelerator, cutting emissions at a scale and speed we could never achieve through traditional value chain engagement approaches. It lets us bring demand for all the electricity used in our value chain to the clean energy market in a highly efficient manner."
This collaboration focuses on involving the entire value chain, aiming for a comprehensive shift to renewables, from sourcing to transportation.
Innovation in energy usage
The clean energy shift at Mars extends to its supply chain activities, from the farms producing ingredients through to the trucks delivering products.
"[The partnership with Enel] means sourcing renewable electricity to cover everything from the farms that grow our ingredients to the trucks that deliver products, and even the energy used by consumers at home to enjoy their favourite Mars products, like Ben’s Original and SNICKERS Ice Cream, or at their BANFIELD veterinarian’s office," says Alastair Child, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars.
"By implementing this strategy, we could cut around three million tons of carbon emissions from the Mars full value chain, amounting to an estimated 10% of our current total footprint. This is a huge unlock for decarbonisation and we’re just getting started."
Mars has committed to renewable electricity as a cost-effective and publicly supported solution for decarbonisation.
Building a sustainable future
The first substantial contract under this programme is with Enel North America, marking Mars' largest engagement in clean power agreements.
“Renewable Acceleration is a bold initiative to support the buildout of more clean energy capacity, which we know is among the fastest and most economical ways to decarbonise,” adds Michele Di Murro, CEO of Enel North America.
“Mars is raising the bar for corporate sustainability strategies, taking a comprehensive and direct approach to addressing emissions across its entire value chain. Enel is proud to partner with Mars in launching this new program.”
Through Mars' global renewable energy contracts, the company is working towards making its operations more sustainable and encouraging other businesses to adopt similar strategies.
By forging multiple supplier relationships, Mars enhances its energy resilience and progresses towards its decarbonisation objectives faster.
The initial agreements with Enel are set to produce 1.8TWh annually, contributing to a significant reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
Such initiatives not only transform Mars' supply chain but also set a precedent for others in the sector to follow suit.
