MARKS & Spencer (M&S) has unveiled new paper packaging across its Men’s Essentials clothing range in a move expected to cut almost 5.5 million units of plastic over the next 12 months.
All men’s socks, as well as men’s woven pyjama sets, and almost 40% of men’s underwear lines, are now available in FSC-approved paper packaging with paper hooks, which M&S said can be easily recycled at home.
The retailer added that the move comes amidst one in five men in the UK purchasing their underwear and nightwear from M&S, with 20 million pairs of socks sold each year. Pending trials later this year, the firm plans to roll out the recyclable paper packaging to additional products in the men’s essentials range – removing a further 3.5 million units of plastic.
Katharine Beacham, head of sustainability in clothing and home at M&S, said, “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.”
