Mars bars have been given a new wrapper as part of a new trial.

The wrapper of the bars is usually plastic but now, as part of the trial, the chocolate bars will have a paper wrapper, making them more environmentally friendly.

The trial will take place for a limited time and the Mars bars with paper packaging will be found in Tesco stores during the pilot which aims to explore different packaging options.

When the pilot ends, Mars said it will use what it has learned to inform other trials.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: A trial will see Mars bars in Tesco stores with a paper packaging rather than plasticA trial will see Mars bars in Tesco stores with a paper packaging rather than plastic (Image: Mars Wrigley/PA Wire)

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.”

The company 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, which includes using less plastic, recycled plastic and plastic alternatives as part of its Sustainable in a Generation Plan.

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.”

The move comes after the company achieved carbon neutrality for the first time in its history this year, achieved through carbon credits and carbon emission reductions.

Andrew Flood, Tesco packaging development manager, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Mars Wrigley to trial an alternative version of their iconic Mars bar packaging – aligning to our own strategy of removing plastic and packaging in our business where we can, reducing it where we can’t, reusing more and recycling what’s left.”