Mentos Trains Raccoons To Recycle Gum Packs, Setting Example For Humans

As global efforts ramp up to steer society toward a more sustainable future, Mentos is asking the question: if raccoons can recycle, why can’t we? 
 
The campaign was built upon findings from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research that discovered only 32% of Americans actively recycle their waste. So, to demonstrate how easy it is to dispose of trash properly, Mentos went on to train a squad of trash pandas to do it.
 
Raccoons like the obvious choice, apparently, as the little critters spend most of their lives digging through garbage and tipping over civilian trashcans.
 
The training took 40 hours before the Mentos Raccoon Recycling Task Force was sent out to debut their new skills in a 60-second spot.
 
The video documents the training process of the animals and culminates with the furry task force picking up and disposing of Mentos Pure Fresh Gum containers. As of February this year, the bottles are made of 90% paperboard.
 
The narrator runs through the heroic actions of the animals, noting that they don’t even have opposable thumbs.
 
Crystal Chen, Raccoon Trainer at Working Wildlife, mentions that she isn’t surprised by the results as they are ingenious animals. She just hopes humans can pick up and follow in their tiny footsteps. 
 
The story doesn’t end here. Mentos is looking to take the talents of the Raccoon Recycle Force elsewhere. The company is opening the floor up to suggestions as fans can call or text “RACCOONS” to 1-833-RACYCLE by November 26, 2022, if they wish to see the furry squad in their city. 
 
Outside of that, fans can head to TikTok or Instagram and comment on the brand’s social media posts with the quote “I pledge to recycle” and #sweepstakes to join the pledge.

 
 
 
[via Marketing Dive and Mentos / PR Newswire, cover image via Mentos, PR Newswire]