Mars has announced the opening of its new $42 million Global Research and Development Hub in Chicago, standing out for its sustainability-focused design. This 44,000-square-foot facility, located on the Goose Island campus, will be powered entirely by renewable energy, specifically from Mars’ wind farm in Ford Ridge, Illinois, ensuring a fossil-fuel-free operation.
This move aligns with Mars’ broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions across its operations by 2040, and net-zero for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
The facility is designed to optimize energy use and will house a dedicated nut facility for testing and evaluating sustainable ingredients. This focus on sustainability extends to the entire product development process, from ingredient sourcing to packaging.
“This state-of-the-art facility will serve as the epicenter for the kind of groundbreaking research and development that will shape the snacking category for generations to come,” said global president of Mars Snacking, Andrew Clarke. “Innovation has been at the heart of our success for over 100 years, and this significant investment reaffirms our unwavering commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
“With an assembly of trailblazing Associates, pioneering partnerships that ignite our creativity and unparalleled technology at our fingertips, we will continue to push boundaries in our relentless pursuit of delivering extraordinary experiences for our consumers around the world.”
Mars Snacking: Chicago and beyond
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has applauded the construction of the facility. “With a commitment to sustainable innovation, this state-of-the-art facility not only doubles down on Mars’ century-long legacy, but cements Chicago’s status as an epicenter for food innovation and propels us to new heights on the global stage,” he said.
The Chicago R&D Hub joins Mars’ existing network of global innovation sites, including locations in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom, and China. Each site contributes to Mars’ overarching sustainability goals, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of environmentally responsible snacking solutions.
