Mars Gain Significant Partners for Scope 3 Reduction

Mars has announced a significant partnerships to support the transition to regenerative agriculture across its European pet food supply chain. The collaborations focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions, particularly the company's upstream Scope 3 emissions.

Transition to Reduce Scope 3

The initiative will transition 20,900 hectares of wheat and maize crops to regenerative agriculture practices by 2028, contributing to Mars' goal of implementing such practices across more than one million acres globally by 2030.

The effort is part of Mars' broader strategy to reduce its Scope 3 emissions, which account for a significant portion of its overall carbon footprint.

Mars is partnering with key agribusiness companies and solutions providers, including Cargill, Agreena, ADM, Biospheres, Horta and Soil Capital.

The partnerships will provide financial incentives and expert advisory services to farmers in Poland, Hungary and the UK, supporting the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices such as crop rotation, minimal tillage and cover crops.

Deri Watkins, Regional President of Mars Pet Nutrition Europe, highlighted the importance of these efforts: "At Mars, we know businesses like ours play a key role in securing a sustainable future for pet food. Healthy soil is the backbone of a resilient food system."

"Through these partnerships, we're extremely proud to be playing our part in driving regenerative agriculture practices across Europe, restoring soil health, cutting carbon and building a stronger and more sustainable supply chain for farmers and future generations of pets and pet parents".

Scope 3 Emissions

Tracking the Scope 3 emissions impact

Mars will track the impact of these projects through robust measurement, reporting and verification systems, ensuring transparency and focusing on enhancing soil health and reducing GHG emissions.

These projects align with the company's efforts to address its Scope 3 emissions, which make up almost 60% of its value chain GHG footprint.

Its recent 2023 Mars Sustainable in a Generation Report announced a record 8% reduction in GHG emissions, doubling Mars' total GHG reduction across its full value chain against a 2015 baseline. The progress demonstrates the potential impact of scaling up climate-smart agriculture initiatives on Scope 3 emissions.

The European partnerships follow similar initiatives in North America, where Mars announced collaborations in October 2024 to provide financial incentives for wheat, corn and rice farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices.

The efforts collectively contribute to Mars' Net Zero Roadmap and its commitment to reducing Scope 3 emissions across its global supply chain.

By focusing on regenerative agriculture, Mars is simultaneously addressing multiple Scope 3 categories, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to reducing its indirect emissions and building a more sustainable and resilient supply chain for its pet food products.

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