M&S is ditching its plastic carrier bags for paper versions across all of its shops, under a trial extension which started in 10 stores this January.
The Forest Stewardship Council-certified bags, which are now available from all of the retailer’s UK shops, are water resistant due to a natural resin applied to them during the manufacturing process.
According to M&S, once worn out, the paper bags can be placed into household recycling bins.
The business’s corporate affairs director Victoria McKenzie-Gould explained a team from the University of Sheffield had been tasked with carrying out a “cradle to grave assessment” to decide if the bags were more sustainable than plastic.
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The university team told M&S the new bags needed to be responsibly sourced (FSC-certified®) and produced with renewable energy.
The retailer claims the paper bag can be reused 100 times.
McKenzie-Gould said: “For the vast majority who already reuse their own bags, which remains the most sustainable option, not a lot will change.
“But on the odd occasion when we all need to reach for one more bag, we’re pleased to be offering a more sustainable option for customers.”
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