Mars Inc. receives recognition for sustainability

Mars Inc. has been named the Best Private Company in Ethical Corp.’s Responsible Business Awards 2013.

Ethical Corp., a London-based global business publication, focuses on ethical business practices and explores how large companies are using sustainable business practices. The Responsible Business Awards recognize privately held companies that have demonstrated dedication to using sustainable business practices across their operations.

Mars, a McLean-based candy maker whose brands include M&M’s and Snickers, was recognized for its work in the sustainability of cocoa and programs to improve its impact on the environment.

The company’s Sustainable Cocoa Initiative is designed to ensure the future supply of cocoa while helping cocoa farmers create sustainable business practices. Mars’ Sustainable in a Generation program seeks to eliminate the company’s fossil fuel energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and minimize its impact on water quality and waste by 2040.

“As a private, family-owned business, we have the freedom to make long-term choices and investments to help create lasting mutual benefits for our entire value chain,” Barry Parkin, chief sustainability officer of Mars, said in a statement. “We are proud of the progress and impact we have made on this journey, although we know we still have much work to do.”

The judging panel for this year’s awards included representatives from Greenpeace, The Economist, Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover. Mars was among a strong field of peers for the Best Private Company award, including Tetra Pak, SC Johnson, Alliance Boots, National Commercial Bank and New Balance.

Other winners of Responsible Business Awards can be found here.