// M&S to expand refill trial
// The scheme allows customers to refill using own containers
// Over 3/4 of M&S customers actively trying to reduce amount of packaging they use, survey found
Marks & Spencer is set to extend the trial of its refill scheme which allows customers to refill food products using their own containers.
The retailer said over three-quarters of consumers were actively trying to reduce the amount of packaging they use.
The initial “fill your own” scheme took place at M&S’ Hedge End store in Southampton, which offered 44 packaging-free products from coffee to confectionery.
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It will be expanded this month to include a second store in Manchester city centre, The Guardian reported.
M&S’s recent survey results found that the main barrier to refill schemes is finding retailers that offer them.
This was cited by 38 per cent of consumers, followed by 18 per cent who highlighted the need to carry containers around.
M&S also said 25 of the its 44 “fill your own” products were outselling the packaged alternatives.
M&S food technology director Paul Willgoss said the retailer’s main goal is to reduce plastic packaging and support customers to reuse and recycle.
Waitrose recently launched a scheme where customers were able to fill up or refill their own containers with a range of products in a bid to reduce waste.
It initially launched as a trial before being rolled out to several other stores.
More recently, Asda unveiled plans to launch its first sustainability store at its Middleton branch in Leeds as part of its latest commitment to be environmentally friendly.
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