M&S has introduced new recyclable paper packaging across its sandwiches and toasties in its UK cafés.
From this month, the entire range will be available in easy to recycle, FSC approved cardboard or paper packaging which uses 79% less plastic.
The small window, which allows customers to see the product inside, is also accepted by recyclers to be recycled with paper.
The change will remove an estimated 4.5m units of plastic – 1.7m across sandwiches and 2.8m across toasties.
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This supports the retailer’s ‘Plan A’ target to remove 1bn units of plastic packaging by 2027 on its roadmap to net zero by 2040, and follows on from similar moves to cut plastic from its food business.
In 2022, M&S unveiled widely recyclable vine tomato packaging using 95% less plastic, and last October launched a 100% paper fibre coffee cup, which looks to remove 20m units of plastic packaging each year.
M&S food head of sustainability Lucinda Langton said: “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.
“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.”
This month, M&S launches its new café menu for 2024 which features more vegan and gluten-free options than ever before.
Menu items include a gluten-free tomato, mozzerella and basil pesto toastie, a vegan avocado and rainbow veg sandwich, and a high protein maple pancake stack with 0% fat Greek yoghurt and berries.
