M&S has swapped plastic for recyclable paper packaging across its range of sandwiches and toasties available in all of its UK cafes.
The move is set to save the retailer over 4 million units of plastic, supporting M&S’ Plan A target to remove 1 billion units of plastic packaging by 2027, on its roadmap to net zero by 2040.
M&S Food head of sustainability Lucinda Langton commented: “With a brand-new menu for 2024, came an opportunity to innovate in our packaging – removing and reducing unnecessary plastic, to lower our impact on the planet.”
The sandwiches will be available in easy to recycle FSC approved cardboard or paper packaging which uses 79% less plastic – but doesn’t compromise quality or customer selection.
The small window allows customers to see the product inside but is accepted by recyclers to be recycled with paper in the paper waste stream.
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“We know plastic is an issue our customers care deeply about and this small change to packaging in our Café’s – with no compromise on quality or taste – will make a big impact on our Plan A roadmap to net zero,” Langton added.
Elsewhere the retailer expanded its refill scheme to 25 stores across the UK, a move which is expected to remove an estimated 150,000 pieces of plastic.
At the time, Langton said the scheme so far has “proven hugely popular”.
“There is high demand for refillable and great value options – so we’re delighted to be able to introduce this into even more of our stores across the UK this month.”
