DATE: 3/13/2024

PRESS RELEASE

Ansys, Mars Power Packaging Progress with Digital Transformation 

Ansys offers CPG giant a new approach to packaging development

Key Highlights

• Ansys simulation solutions set to supercharge the Mars packaging development process with potential to cut development time by up to 40%      
• Mars use of this revolutionary simulation technology has already reduced the quantity of plastics purchased by Mars for testing by approximately 246 tons 
• Collaboration with Ansys engineering software builds on the Mars heritage of packaging innovation and will help Mars achieve its ultimate aim of using 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging for its products

PITTSBURGH, PA, March 13, 2024 – Mars has announced a new collaboration with engineering software giant, Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS), that will see the multinational manufacturer adopt simulation software primed to reimagine the packaging innovation process at Mars through digital technology. 

Mars, the maker of household brand names including M&M’S, ROYAL CANIN and SNICKERS, is set to leverage the new simulation approach to perform virtual testing and prototyping on new packaging innovation, initially across its Snacking portfolio.

The groundbreaking multi-physics simulation technology minimizes the need for extensive physical testing during the packaging development process and provides in-depth insights into various aspects of the complex production phases, including wrapping, drop tests and failure scenarios.

Together, Mars and Ansys build on the CPG giant’s heritage of innovation that dates back over a century and illustrates the company’s aim and investments to supercharge efforts to achieve its ultimate aim of using 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging for its products.

The implementation of simulation software is set to facilitate a more nimble, digital-first development environment at Mars, spanning from design to manufacturing, making the process easier and more efficient for its team of R&D experts as the company looks to expedite the pace of progress across its packaging ecosystem.

Researchers at Mars have already reported reductions in development time of up to 40% through computer modeling and in the quantity of plastic purchased by Mars for testing by approximately 246 tons. 

The food and pet care provider has said that it is working to redesign more than 12,000 packaging types across its portfolio to fit with the recycling infrastructure that either exists today or is likely to exist in the future, making it easier for consumers to recycle their packaging.  

“In the world we want tomorrow, no packaging becomes waste,” said Qing Qi, VP R&D global innovation, Mars Snacking. “This vision is at the heart of our multi-billion dollar Sustainable in a Generation plan and will only become a reality by taking unconstrained strides, leveraging breakthrough science, innovative thinking and partnerships to push the boundaries of what's possible.”

“We continue to see the impact and potential of simulation and digital engineering in progressing sustainability initiatives throughout the world,” said Walt Hearn, senior vice president of worldwide sales and customer excellence at Ansys. “Mars has successfully implemented the pervasive insights of Ansys simulation to optimize its design and packaging processes. Mars’ more sustainable approach to development sets a terrific example for other manufacturers to adopt new solutions that move us all toward a cleaner planet.”  

About Ansys

Our Mission: Powering Innovation that Drives Human Advancement^TM

When visionary companies need to know how their world-changing ideas will perform, they close the gap between design and reality with Ansys simulation. For more than 50 years, Ansys software has enabled innovators across industries to push boundaries by using the predictive power of simulation. From sustainable transportation to advanced semiconductors, from satellite systems to life-saving medical devices, the next great leaps in human advancement will be powered by Ansys.

Ansys and any and all ANSYS, Inc. brand, product, service and feature names, logos and slogans are registered trademarks or trademarks of ANSYS, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All other brand, product, service and feature names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a global, family-owned business, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving to make a positive impact on the world. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of quality snacking, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 140,000+ dedicated Associates. With more than $47 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including Ben’s Original™, CESAR®, Cocoavia®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, KIND®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®. We are creating A Better World for Pets through our global network of pet hospitals and diagnostic services – including AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™ – using cutting edge technology to develop breakthrough programs in genetic health screening and DNA testing.  

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