M&S and partners drive circular supermarket packaging

M&S and partners drive circular supermarket packaging

Sustainability

Leading UK retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is joining forces with environmental advocate City to Sea, renowned household brand Ecover, and innovative startup Reposit in a united effort to advance the circular economy in supermarket packaging.

Together, this consortium aims to unveil a packaging solution that's both environmentally sound and commercially viable, driving a pivotal shift from single-use packaging to widespread reusable systems within the supermarket landscape.

City to Sea's innovative solution, aptly termed 'buy anywhere, return anywhere,' comprises a versatile and reusable packaging platform compatible with a wide array of retailers, product categories, and brands.

Under this pioneering system, consumers can purchase items like cleaning and beauty products in eco-friendly, returnable packaging for a small deposit. Once used, these empty reusable containers can be conveniently returned to registered drop-off points. Here, they undergo cleaning, refilling, and are then reintroduced to supermarkets, completing a sustainable cycle.

Introducing a groundbreaking partnership to tackle single use packaging credit City to Sea
Introducing a groundbreaking partnership to tackle single use packaging © City to Sea

The initiative has already proven successful, with trials conducted earlier this year in six M&S stores, focusing on ten home-care products.

Jane Martin, Head of Development, City to Sea, said: This is a game-changing moment in our collective battle against plastic pollution from packaging. Today we’re launching with our friends at Reposit, M&S, and Ecover a ‘buy anywhere, return anywhere’ reuse system cross brands and retailers. This means that customers will be able to easily and accessibly pick up their favourite products in packaging that has already been refilled safe in the knowledge that it will be used again and again!

Building on this success, the partnership is poised to expand its reach. Over the next six months, they plan to implement the scheme in 200 stores, covering as many as 100 products across the UK, signifying a significant step toward revolutionising packaging sustainability in the retail sector.

Latest Packaging News

FDA introduces new 'healthy' label criteria for food packaging
Business

FDA introduces new 'healthy' label criteria for food packaging

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised the standards for food and beverage products...
Berry Global and VOID Technologies collaborate to launch high-performance, sustainable film for pet food packaging
Supplier News

Berry Global and VOID Technologies collaborate to launch high-performance, sustainable film for pet food packaging

Berry Global Group, Inc. and VOID Technologies are excited to announce their successful...
Nutella® labels reimagined through AI and digital printing technology
Technology

Nutella® labels reimagined through AI and digital printing technology

Nutella®’s iconic label has been given an artistic makeover as part of Eurostampa’s Envelope 8...
Stand-up pouch design brings Baileys’ new Chocolate Nut Mix to life
Business

Stand-up pouch design brings Baileys’ new Chocolate Nut Mix to life

Korozo Group has collaborated with Zertus UK & Ireland to develop innovative stand-up pouches...
Noteworthy packaging launches of 2024: 10 top picks
Business

Noteworthy packaging launches of 2024: 10 top picks

In 2024, the packaging industry has witnessed several innovations aimed at enhancing...