This new paper-based packaging maintains the unbeatable M&S quality of the product and can be more easily recycled, kerbside and on the go. This change on this popular bar would remove 1.4 million units of plastic from M&S’ Foodhall over the next 12 months. If successful, the retailer plans to roll this packaging out more widely to additional bars in the range, removing a further 5 million units of plastic.
Reducing plastic packaging is one of the key issues M&S customers care strongly about and the retailer has a leading track record of taking action. Earlier this month, M&S introduced cardboard packaging for all its Perfectly Ripe Twin Avocado packs and Ripe Avocado lines, removing an estimated 7 million units of plastic. A popular choice with customers, the retailer sells approximately 52 avocados every second.
The retailer also introduced new pots for porridge lines in its Food On The Move range last month, which are now more easily recyclable as the cardboard wrap will separate from the plastic pot during the recycling process without the customer needing to remove it.
At the end of last year, M&S met its target to remove 75 million units of plastic in 2024/25 ahead of plan. The brand has committed to remove one billion units by the end of FY27/28, as part of its Plan A roadmap to net zero by 2040 and is halfway to this target with 500m units removed by the end of March 2025.
Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food, said: “At M&S, we know our customers care deeply about reducing plastic packaging, and we’re committed to doing the right thing by finding packaging alternatives for our products. By making sure our products are in packaging which is as easy to recycle as possible, we are giving our customers the confidence that they can make more sustainable choices when shopping with us. This is also a key part of our Plan A roadmap to Net Zero, which will help us to meet our plastic reduction targets.”
