Mars Cuts Emissions 43% While Growing 75%

The maker of Snickers, M&Ms, and Pedigree just hit a milestone that seemed impossible a decade ago: massive growth without the massive carbon footprint.

Mars, Inc. announced that every single U.S. facility, from chocolate factories to veterinary hospitals, now runs entirely on renewable electricity. The achievement comes alongside a 42.6% drop in direct emissions since 2015, even as the company grew by roughly 75%.

"Building a resilient business includes access to clean and accessible energy," says Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch. The numbers back up his vision: the company slashed emissions across its entire value chain by 6.4% in 2025 alone, bringing total reductions to nearly 17% since 2015.

Mars isn't stopping at its own walls. The company's Renewables Acceleration programme aims to bring clean energy to suppliers across the value chain. A new contract with Enel North America will generate 1.8 trillion watt-hours of solar electricity annually, enough to power both Mars operations and its partners.

The company now runs 77 sustainability projects across 26 countries and 12 crops. Its "Protect the Peanut" initiative invests $5.2 million developing drought-resistant varieties to help farmers weather climate change. Another $20 million goes toward climate-smart rice farming practices.

In Poland, Mars teamed up with PepsiCo and ADM to support 24 farmers adopting regenerative agriculture across more than 5,450 hectares. It's the kind of collaboration Chief Sustainability Officer Alastair Child says is essential for real impact.

The Ripple Effect

Mars is backing its promises with serious cash. The company plans to invest $2 billion in U.S. manufacturing and $1 billion in European operations by the end of 2026. It also launched the Mars Sustainability Investment Fund with up to $250 million in capital, plus a separate Mars Impact Fund for broader environmental and social projects.

These investments ripple far beyond Mars' bottom line. When a company this size commits to renewable energy, it creates demand that makes clean power more accessible and affordable for everyone. When they help farmers adapt to climate change, entire communities become more resilient.

The real test will be maintaining this momentum as supply chains grow more complex, but Mars has shown that protecting the planet and growing a business aren't competing goals anymore.