Marks and Spencer (M&S) has introduced new recyclable paper packing across its range of sandwiches and toasties available in all 300 branches of its cafe.

The retailer said the new packaging, which uses FSC approved materials, contains around 79 per cent less plastic and still allows customers to see the product before purchase through a window which can be recycled in the paper waste stream.

M&S estimates that the change will remove an estimated 1.7 million units of plastic from sandwiches and around 2.8 million units from toasties.

The move builds on M&S’ target to remove one billion units of plastic packaging by 2027 and become net zero by 2040.

“Our sandwiches and toasties in M&S Cafés are particularly popular options as customers look to sit down and relax when shopping with us,” said Lucinda Langton, head of sustainability at M&S Food. “With a brand-new menu for 2024, came an opportunity to innovate in our packaging - removing and reducing unnecessary plastic, to lower our impact on the planet. We know plastic is an issue our customers care deeply about and this small change to packaging in our café’s - with no compromise on quality or taste - will make a big impact on our Plan A roadmap to net zero.”

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