Mars Wrigley's Philippine plant turns 60 with bold sustainability and equality moves
Mars Wrigley is marking 60 years of manufacturing in the Philippines with new sustainability and social initiatives. The company's Antipolo City plant, operational since 1965, has long been a key export hub and a major local employer. Recent investments now aim to cut emissions, support communities, and improve workplace equality.
The Antipolo facility produces up to 30 metric tons of chewing gum each day, with 86% shipped to Southeast Asian markets. Beyond production, the plant employs over 170 workers, many of whom have stayed for more than 20 years. It also serves as a strategic export base while providing jobs for hundreds of Filipinos.
Mars Wrigley has installed a USD 1 million biomass boiler system at the site, reducing annual carbon emissions by around 679 tons. The company also plans to invest another USD 2 million over the next three years to upgrade infrastructure and employee facilities. Inside the plant, efforts are underway to achieve a 50:50 gender balance and boost female leadership. Outside, the Mars Wrigley Foundation has granted USD 100,000 to the CHILL project, offering safe spaces and health services for local adolescents. Partnerships with NGOs further create economic and social opportunities for underserved groups in Antipolo and neighbouring areas. While the company has outlined a USD 2 million investment plan for 2023–2025, specific details on how much was allocated to projects by 2024 remain undisclosed.
The Antipolo plant continues to expand its role as both an industrial and social pillar in the region. With new sustainability measures, community programmes, and workplace reforms, Mars Wrigley's operations in the Philippines are set to evolve further. The company's long-term presence underscores its commitment to local growth and environmental responsibility.
