Marks & Spencer has become the first UK retailer to move to paper packaging on garlic baguettes, removing 5.5 million units of plastic.
All of M&S’ single and twin garlic baguettes are now available in FSC-approved paper packaging, which can be recycled as paper at home. The single garlic baguette is M&S’ biggest seller in garlic breads, selling 4.3 million units each year.
M&S noted that reducing plastic packaging is one of the key issues its customers care about, with the retailer taking action in a number of areas to move to more sustainable alternatives.
At the end of last year, M&S met its target to remove 75 million units of plastic in 2023/24 four months earlier than planned. The brand has committed to remove one billion units by 2027 as part of its Plan A roadmap to net zero by 2040.
Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food, said: “We know our customers rank packaging as a top priority and M&S is committed to reducing plastic packaging as a key part of our Plan A roadmap to Net Zero. It’s a good step forward to remove 5.5m units from our supply chain and we continue to work with our suppliers to find innovative new materials, processes, and equipment so we can make change at scale. These changes mean our customers can trust that the M&S quality products they love are made, sourced, and packaged with care.”
