The new Mars packaging has been unveiled (Picture: Mars)

Out with the old, in with the new – Mars has been given a new look, at least for awhile.

Mars Incorporated confirmed switching from its traditional plastic wrapping to an environmentally-friendly paper packaging.

The chocolate bars will be available in Tesco for a limited time while the company explores different packaging options. 

Once the pilot is over, Mars said it will use what it has learnt to inform other trials.

The new chocolate bars will be available in Tesco (Picture: Mars)

Richard Sutherland-Moore, packaging expert at Mars Wrigley UK’s research and development centre in Slough, said: ‘We are exploring different types of alternative packaging solutions for our confectionery products.

‘For Mars bar, the challenge was to find the right paper packaging solution with an adequate level of barrier properties to protect the chocolate whilst guaranteeing the food safety, quality and integrity of the product to prevent food waste.’

As part of the company’s Sustainable in a Generation Plan, it is investing hundreds of millions of pounds to ensure it meets its goal of reducing use of virgin plastics by a third in the short-term.

This includes using less plastic, recycled plastic and plastic alternatives.

Adam Grant, general manager at Mars Wrigley UK, said: ‘With our Mars bar pilot project, we are taking a big step to see how paper-based packaging works in everyday life. From the test, we will derive insights for our sustainable packaging strategy.

‘While challenges may impact the pace of progress towards our vision, we at Mars Incorporated are committed to scaling up viable solutions where recycling options exist, and to test, learn, partner and advocate where they don’t.’

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The move is part of a pilot.