Marks & Spencer Plan A - Packaging reduction

Retailer Marks & spencer launched ‘Plan A’ in January 2007, setting out 100 commitments to achieve in 5 years. Through Plan A M&S is working with its customers and suppliers to combat climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable raw materials, trade ethically, and help our customers to lead healthier lifestyles. In January 2007 M&S invested £200m over five years in Plan A – two years on it has already become cost positive. Two full years after its launch, good progress on Plan A has been achieved, with 39 of our 100 commitments already achieved. Of these, 24 have been extended to cover more ambitious targets. One of the targets set is to reduce the weight of non-glass packaging by 25% by 2012.

In 2009/10 M&S used 240 million one-trip carrier bags in UK stores which was down by 64% (2006/7, 57 million). Of these, 89 million were used in the food sections, a reduction of 81% (2006/7, 464 million).