UK-based retail company Marks & Spencer (M&S) has rolled out new recyclable paper packaging for its M&S Café sandwiches and toasties across the UK.  

This initiative is part of M&S' Plan A, aiming to eliminate one billion units of plastic packaging by 2027 and to achieve net zero by 2040. 

The transition will enable the retailer to eliminate an estimated 4.5 million units of plastic from more than 300 of its branded cafés nationwide.  

M&S' new recyclable packaging, which is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved, features a small window for product visibility and is designed to be easily recycled with paper waste streams.  

It also reduces plastic usage by 79% without compromising on quality or customer selection, the retailer said.

The introduction of sustainable packaging for its sandwiches and toasties comes after M&S introduced 100% recyclable takeaway coffee cups last year.  

The retailer also achieved its goal of removing 75 million units of plastic four months ahead of schedule in the 2023-24 period. 

M&S Food sustainability head Lucinda Langton said: “Our sandwiches and toasties in M&S Cafés are particularly popular options as customers look to sit down and relax when shopping with us.  

“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.” 

Last month, M&S announced the expansion of its ‘Refilled’ scheme to 19 additional stores across the UK, in partnership with Reposit.