Marks & Spencer (M&S) has introduced new paper-based packaging for its Men’s Essentials clothing line, a move aimed at cutting nearly 5.5 million units of plastic in the next year.
The change affects all men’s socks, woven pyjama sets, and nearly 40% of men’s underwear items, which now come in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper packaging complete with paper hooks. According to M&S, the updated packaging is fully recyclable through household recycling systems.
This shift aligns with the shopping habits of UK men, one in five of whom purchase their underwear and nightwear from M&S. With 20 million pairs of socks sold annually, the impact of this initiative is expected to be significant. Looking ahead, M&S is planning trials later this year to extend the recyclable paper packaging to more men’s essentials. If successful, this would eliminate an additional 3.5 million units of plastic.
Katharine Beacham, Head of Sustainability for Clothing and Home at M&S, stated, “We know we have a responsibility to do the right thing when it comes to our packaging by reducing unnecessary plastic. This one small change to our men’s essentials range will make a huge difference by removing over five million units of plastic from our supply chain.
“It also gives our customers the confidence to make more sustainable choices more easily when they shop with us, and trust that the M&S quality products they love are made, sourced and packaged with care.”
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