LIFE SAVERS

Introduction

LIFE SAVERS is a brand that traces its origins back to 1912, when it was founded by a man named Otto Schnering in Chicago, Illinois. Initially created as a candy that would withstand heat better than chocolate, the brand quickly gained popularity. The unique shape of LIFE SAVERS, reminiscent of a life preserver, reflects the philosophy of providing enjoyment and a moment of refreshment in a busy world. The brand became synonymous with fun, nostalgia, and satisfaction, attracting consumers with its unique flavors and innovative marketing.

The guiding philosophy of LIFE SAVERS revolves around the idea of joy through simple pleasures. The brand embraces the notion that life can be sweeter with the right treat, promoting an array of flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes. This focus on enjoyment is evident in their playful advertising campaigns, which often evoke childhood memories and encourage consumers to share their experiences with friends and family. Moreover, the commitment to quality and distinctiveness in its offerings has helped establish LIFE SAVERS as an iconic candy brand.

What makes LIFE SAVERS special is not merely its flavor but the experience it provides. The brand’s ability to infuse moments of happiness into everyday life is highlighted by its consistent innovation and relaunch of classic favorites. Moreover, being part of the Mars, Inc. family allows LIFE SAVERS to leverage extensive research and development, ensuring a blend of nostalgia and modernity in each product. This combination has solidified LIFE SAVERS' place in the hearts of many as a beloved choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual treat or a festive celebration.

Signature Products

LIFE SAVERS offers a variety of products that embody its spirit of refreshment and fun. Each product carries a sense of nostalgia and is designed to deliver a burst of flavor.

• LIFE SAVERS Hard Candy : The classic, ring-shaped candies available in a variety of fruity flavors, perfect for long-lasting enjoyment.
• LIFE SAVERS Gummies : Soft and chewy treats packed with fruity flavor, offering a delightful chew.
• LIFE SAVERS Mints : A refreshing option for those seeking a minty lift, available in several varieties for fresh breath.
• LIFE SAVERS Tropical : A collection of flavors inspired by tropical fruits, bringing a taste of the tropics with every bite.

Materials and Ingredients Used by LIFE SAVERS

• Corn : A versatile ingredient often used as a source of dextrose or corn syrup, it provides sweetness and a chewy texture in LIFE SAVERS. The choice of corn allows for a cost-effective and widely available source of sugar.
• Sugar : A key sweetening agent that enhances flavor and palatability in LIFE SAVERS. It contributes to the overall taste and enjoyment of the candy, making it an essential ingredient for their appeal.
• Citric Acid : This ingredient adds a sour flavor and acts as a preservative by balancing pH levels. In LIFE SAVERS, it enhances the fruity taste and prolongs shelf life, ensuring that the candies remain enjoyable over time.
• Gelatin : Used to give LIFE SAVERS their chewy texture, gelatin is a gelling agent derived from animal collagen. It adds a unique mouthfeel, making the candy more appealing and enjoyable to consume.
• Stearic Acid : A fatty acid that acts as a stabilizer and thickener in confectionery products. In LIFE SAVERS, it helps maintain the texture and shape of the candy, enhancing its overall quality.
• Magnesium Stearate : This ingredient is used as a lubricant to prevent ingredients from clumping during production. In LIFE SAVERS, it ensures a smooth manufacturing process and consistent quality in the final product.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From LIFE SAVERS

There are several issues related to the supply chain of the brand's ingredients that need to be taken into consideration:

Soil Degradation:

The production of corn often leads to soil degradation. Intensive farming practices strip the soil of essential nutrients. For example, the repeated planting of corn and the reliance on monoculture can decrease soil fertility. This degradation can lead to a diminished capacity for future crop production and increase the need for fertilizers, which further impacts the environment.

Pesticide Use:

Corn and sugar production typically involve the application of chemical pesticides. These chemicals can have harmful ecological impacts, such as disrupting local biodiversity and contaminating water supplies. In regions like the Midwest in the United States, pesticide runoff into water bodies has become a significant environmental concern.

Water Consumption:

The cultivation of corn and sugar is highly water-intensive. This significant water usage can lead to depletion of local water resources, especially in regions vulnerable to drought. For instance, the draining of the Ogallala Aquifer in the United States for corn farming has profound implications for long-term water availability in the area.

Deforestation:

The expansion of sugarcane plantations, particularly in tropical regions, has often resulted in deforestation. The clearing of forests contributes to biodiversity loss and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. In Brazil, for example, sugarcane farming has been directly linked to the loss of the Amazon rainforest.

Social Labor Concerns:

Sugar production is frequently associated with poor labor conditions, including low wages and inadequate safety standards for workers. In countries like India and Brazil, sugarcane workers have been reported to work long hours in harsh conditions without fair compensation.

Resource Extraction:

The production of citric acid involves the extraction of natural resources, including the fermentation of sugars from corn or sugar beets. This process requires significant energy inputs and contributes to resource depletion.

Chemical Processing:

The processing of citric acid and magnesium stearate is chemically intensive, which may lead to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other pollutants. The chemical industry is a considerable source of air pollution, requiring regulation and innovation to manage its environmental footprint.

Emissions:

The production of gelatin releases greenhouse gases like methane, given that it is derived from animal by-products. The livestock industry contributes substantially to global methane emissions, demanding efforts to minimize its environmental impact.

Animal Welfare:

Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, raising ethical concerns related to animal welfare. The livestock industry has faced scrutiny over its treatment of animals and calls for more humane farming practices.

Palm Oil Sourcing:

Stearic acid is often sourced from palm oil, and the palm oil industry is a leading cause of deforestation in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. This deforestation is devastating for endangered species like orangutans and undermines critical carbon sequestering ecosystems.

Biodiversity Loss:

The cultivation of palm oil for stearic acid, as well as deforestation for sugarcane fields, contributes to significant biodiversity loss. These ecosystems are home to vast species that risk extinction without their natural habitats.

Mining Impacts:

Magnesium stearate production involves the mining of minerals, which has environmental and social consequences. Mining activities can lead to habitat destruction, water contamination, and the displacement of local communities, similarly observed in regions with intensive mineral extraction.

Waste Management:

The production and chemical processing involved in generating materials like magnesium stearate create waste management issues. Industrial waste, if not managed properly, can lead to contamination of soil and water, posing long-term environmental risks.

These explanations provide insight into the complex sustainability challenges inherent in the supply chain of the brand's ingredients. Awareness and mitigation of these factors are crucial for sustainable development and supply chain responsibility.