M&S expands eco-friendly 'Refilled' scheme to 25 UK stores

Marks & Spencer is extending its successful 'Refilled' initiative, done in collaboration with Reposit, to include a wider range of own-brand cleaning and laundry products. This expansion aligns with M&S's commitment to reduce plastic packaging and provide customers with sustainable alternatives. Following a successful trial in six stores last year, the scheme will be introduced in 19 additional M&S stores across the UK, totalling 25.

The 'Refilled' programme offers customers a selection of 10 pre-filled, own-brand homecare products, including cleaning sprays, laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, and washing up liquids. The initial purchase involves a £2 fee for a returnable bottle, which customers can bring back to the store after use. Upon return, customers receive a £2 voucher applicable to a second purchase within the M&S Refilled range.

Over 10,000 M&S customers have participated in the scheme to date, with the Citrus Washing Up Liquid being the most popular product. The expanded initiative is estimated to eliminate around 150,000 pieces of plastic, contributing to M&S's Plan A target of removing 1 billion units of plastic packaging by 2027. M&S has already surpassed its goal to remove 75 million units in 2023/24, four months ahead of schedule.

Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food commented: At M&S, we want to support our customers live more sustainably. We know they care deeply about us reducing plastic packaging and are continuing to look for ways they can make small changes in their everyday lives. Our Refilled scheme has proven hugely popular – showing there is high demand for refillable and great value options – so we’re delighted to be able to introduce this into even more of our stores across the UK this month.

In addition to the 'Refilled' scheme, M&S has introduced recyclable coffee cups and switched to paper bags in Food and Clothing & Home departments. M&S, along with Reposit, Ecover, and City to Sea, is part of a project demonstrating large-scale returnable packaging systems, supported by UK Research & Innovation’s (UKRI) Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Fund.