News

Marks & Spencer is looking to develop a sustainable forest programme for cardboard and introduce "age neutral" packaging as part of an extended version of its Plan A environment scheme.

M&S has today announced 80 commitments to make all its products "Plan A Products" and help staff and customers live greener lifestyles in a bid to become the "world's most sustainable retailer" within the next five years.

On the packaging front, the multiple highlighted its investment in local authority recycling to help boost the recycled content used in packaging and plans to launch a range of "age neutral" packaging that will be developed with Help the Aged.

It also said it would develop with its suppliers a M&S sustainable forest programme to source all its cardboard packaging from.

"We will work with the forest's owners to deploy 'gold standard' forestry management practices, including going beyond replanting and investing in the area's biodiversity," M&S said in a statement today.

Chairman Sir Stuart Rose said the retailer was looking to "lead the way in making a positive contribution to the environment and society across everything we do and sell".

"Our extended Plan A will reach further and move us faster – covering every part of our business and reaching out to forests, farms, factories, lorries, warehouses and into our customers' and employees' homes," he said

Other commitments that have been announced today include using palm oil and coffee from sustainable sources, increase the amount of clothing that is recycled and offering free home insulation to eligible employees.

It is also giving staff one paid day off a year to work in local communities.

Click here for today's headlines from across the packaging industry