M&S has rolled out its ‘Refilled’ scheme to a further 19 shops, including its new Liverpool One flagship, after a successful trial across six stores in 2022.
The scheme, run in partnership with Reposit, aims improve the retail titan’s sustainability commitments to reduce and remove plastic packaging and covers own-brand cleaning and laundry items.
Customers are able to choose from 10-pre-filled own-brand household items, including cleaning sprays, laundry detergents, fabric conditioners and washing-up soap.
There is a £2 fee for the returnable bottle for shoppers, but once returned, customers are given a voucher of the same amount to be redeemed against a second purchase in the Refilled range.
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According to M&S, 10,000 shoppers have participated in the scheme so far, and it predicts the expansion will remove an estimated 150,000 pieces of plastic.
The initiative contributes to the business’s target of removing 1 billion units of plastic packaging by 2027, as part of its journey to net zero by 2040.
M&S Food head of sustainability Lucinda Langton said: “At M&S, we want to support our customers to live more sustainably. We know they care deeply about us reducing plastic packaging and are continuing to look for ways they can make small changes in their everyday lives.
“Our Refilled scheme has proven hugely popular – showing there is high demand for refillable and great value options – so we’re delighted to be able to introduce this into even more of our stores across the UK this month.”
Last week, it was revealed supermarkets could face a potential ban on fruit and veg plastic packaging as the UK government considers forcing a return to traditional “greengrocer” style methods.
The new rules will require grocers to sell more loose fresh produce in a move designed to combat both food and packaging waste.
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