Mars Petcare will replace shrink film with cardboard across all mixed multipack cans of Pedigree, Whiskas, Chappie and Kitekat pet food in the UK.

In a press release, the company claimed the move will result in 180 tonnes of plastic being removed from the environment every year. The new packaging is made from recyclable cardboard.

Kim Smet, Interim General Manager, Mars Petcare said: “The switch from shrink-wrap to cardboard is an important step in helping us achieve our goal of 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.

“We know that over the past year alone the UK’s pet population has sky-rocketed to an all-time high, tipping 20m dogs and cats – nearly a third of the size of the UK human population, so as an industry our sustainability efforts must reflect this and improve, at speed, to create the world we want tomorrow.”