Daniel Lewis
M&S has rolled out new recyclable packaging across its rice, grains and pulses range, as part of its commitment to transform how it makes and sells its products.
As the first own-brand retailer to launch paper-based packaging, M&S is introducing two designs; a paper-based bag and paper box.
Over 30 products, including bestsellers Basmati rice, Couscous and Red Lentils, are now available in the paper-based bag. Meanwhile, four products in M&S’ top tier Collection range – Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice, Aged Basmati Rice, Spanish Bomba Paella Rice and Italian Carnaroli Risotto Rice – which brings together the best rice from across the world, are now fully plastic-free in paper boxes featuring a measuring lid.
Customers are able to recycle both of the new packaging types in their paper recycling bin at home, as opposed to returning to store as they had to do previously. The paper-based bags contain a small plastic coating – just enough to preserve the quality of the food inside – however can still be recycled in customers’ paper bin.
The new packaging is estimated to remove a combined 5.5 million units of plastic and contains 90% less plastic by weight.
The retailer has pledged that 100% of its food packaging will be widely recyclable by 2025, as part of its Plan A sustainability roadmap. Alongside this, M&S has committed to removing 1 billion units of plastic from its food packaging by 2027.
Andrew Clappen, Technical Director at M&S Food, said: “We need to transform how we make, move and sell our products to make sure M&S Food is as sustainable as possible. Tackling packaging is a huge part of that – we need to get creative in finding alternatives that our customers can easily recycle, that reduce plastic and that protect the all-important M&S quality.
“We’re determined to do just that and reach our Plan A recyclability and plastic reduction targets. Our customers can be confident that, as we deliver on unbeatable quality and great value, sustainability is top of our list too - as it is theirs.”
Last year, the M&S introduced new recyclable packaging for its popular teacakes, of which it sells 2.5million a year, alongside a new recyclable tomatoes design that removed over 8m units of plastic.
M&S’ latest Family Matters Index revealed 63% of UK families are concerned about the environment and seven in ten UK adults say they are making more of an effort to live sustainably themselves due to the rising cost of living. Over half believe it’s important that retailers make their products as environmentally friendly at possible.
While the new packaging is fully recyclable at home, to make it easier for customers to recycle soft plastics, M&S has rolled out recycling take back units in over 500 UK stores, with customers able to drop off items not typically collected by Local Authorities, such as yoghurt lids and sweet wrappers including those not bought at M&S.