M&S introduces recyclable paper packaging for garlic baguettes

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has introduced a new paper packaging for its garlic baguettes, marking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste. The retailer, known for its commitment to sustainability, is the first in the UK to switch to paper packaging for garlic baguettes, eliminating 5.5 million units of plastic annually.

The new packaging, which is FSC-approved and fully recyclable at home, now wraps all of M&S’s single and twin garlic baguettes. These baguettes are a popular choice among M&S customers, with the single garlic baguette alone selling 4.3 million units each year.

M&S has made reducing plastic packaging a priority, responding to the strong preferences of its customers. The company has a history of leading in sustainability initiatives, such as introducing a fully recyclable paper fibre coffee cup and lid earlier this year and replacing plastic bags with paper bands on banana bunches. Additionally, key produce items like British Collection vine tomatoes, mushrooms, and tropical fruits have been transitioned to cardboard packaging.

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. Its 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.

Last year, M&S achieved its target of removing 75 million units of plastic in the 2023/24 period, four months ahead of schedule. The company remains committed to its goal of removing one billion units of plastic by 2027, as part of its broader Plan A roadmap towards net zero by 2040.