Marks & Spencer Trials Paper Packaging for Chocolate Bars, Targets Major Plastic Reduction
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is taking another step forward in its mission to reduce plastic waste, launching a trial of paper-based packaging for its best-selling Vanilla Fudge Bar. The retailer, known for its sustainability efforts, announced that the switch to paper will make the packaging easier to recycle, whether at home or on the go.
If successful, the trial could have a significant environmental impact, eliminating 1.4 million units of plastic from M&S Foodhalls over the next year. Plans are already in place to expand the rollout across the retailer’s popular confectionery range, potentially removing an additional 5 million units of plastic.
Plastic reduction remains a top concern for M&S customers, and the company continues to deliver on its promises. Earlier this month, M&S replaced plastic trays with cardboard packaging across all Perfectly Ripe Twin Avocado packs and Ripe Avocado lines—an action expected to eliminate around 7 million plastic units. Considering M&S sells approximately 52 avocados every second, this move represents a meaningful shift towards greener packaging.
M&S has also introduced new packaging for its Food On The Move porridge range. The redesigned pots now feature a cardboard wrap that automatically separates from the plastic pot during recycling, eliminating the need for customers to remove it manually.
This momentum follows M&S meeting its ambitious target ahead of schedule—removing 75 million plastic units in the 2024/25 period. The retailer is working towards a larger goal of eliminating 1 billion plastic units by the end of the 2027/28 financial year, having already reached the halfway point with 500 million units removed by March 2025.
Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food, commented: “Our customers are passionate about reducing plastic, and so are we. We’re committed to providing packaging alternatives that are easier to recycle and help customers make more sustainable choices. This trial is a key part of our Plan A roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2040 while hitting important plastic reduction targets.”
With initiatives like this, M&S continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainable retail practices.
