Marks & Spencer has revealed that it is swapping plastic carrier bags for paper ones in all stores.
The move comes as an extension of trial that began in 10 of the upmarket retailer’s stores in December. The paper bags, which are Forest Stewardship Council-certified, are available in all M&S stores across the country from today.
According to M&S, the new bags are water resistant, thanks to a natural resin applied in the manufacturing process, and can also be left in household recycling bins when worn out.
M&S now expects the paper bags to be used more than 100 times. The team specified that the new bags should be made using renewable energy, since paper is more energy-intensive to produce than plastic.
A number of other major supermarkets including Morrisons, Aldi and Waitrose also offer paper carrier bags in the UK.
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In a blog published today, M&S corporate affairs director Victoria McKenzie-Gould says they will save customers adding “to the mountain of plastic bags” that can build up in cupboards at home.
She said: “Our paper carrier bags have all the benefits of plastic bags but without the same environmental impact.
“We now have a solution that is better environmentally and which helps customers looking to make small changes to reduce their environmental footprint.
“For the vast majority who already reuse their own bags, which remains the most sustainable option, not a lot will change.
“But on the odd occasion when we all need to reach for one more bag, we’re pleased to be offering a more sustainable option for customers.”
Marks and Spencer has price locked 140 popular food products until the end of the year, with price drops on core lines such as cheese and butter.
1 Comment. Leave new
Don’t have any bags! Customers bring their own!
Paper bags = tree deforestation , only to be replaced by quick growing trees which aren’t true forests anymore!!