M&S introduces new recyclable packaging for rice and grains

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has introduced new recyclable packaging for its range of rice, grains, and pulses.

The packaging includes paper-based bags and boxes that are easily recyclable.

The initiative is part of the company's Plan A, which aims to make 100% of its food packaging easily recyclable by 2025. M&S has also committed to removing 1 billion units of plastic from its food packaging by 2027.

The new packaging is available for over 30 products, including basmati rice, couscous, and red lentils, and the company's Collection range features four fully plastic-free products: Thai hom mali jasmine rice, aged basmati rice, Spanish bomba paella rice, and Italian carnaroli risotto rice.

The packaging features a measuring lid and is made from paper.

Andrew Clappen, Technical Director at M&S Food, said: We need to transform how we make, move and sell our products to make sure M&S Food is as sustainable as possible. Tackling packaging is a huge part of that – we need to get creative in finding alternatives that our customers can easily recycle, that reduce plastic and that protect the all-important M&S quality.

We're determined to do just that and reach our Plan A recyclability and plastic reduction targets. Our customers can be confident that, as we deliver on unbeatable quality and great value, sustainability is top of our list too - as it is theirs.

Customers can now recycle both the new paper-based bags and boxes in their home paper recycling bin, eliminating the need to return them to the store.

The paper bags are coated with a small amount of plastic to preserve the quality of the food, which can also be recycled in customers' paper bins.