M&S is set to roll out its market leading fully recyclable takeaway cups to all of its cafes this month as it contents for the title of “most sustainable cup of coffee” on the high street.
The move comes after the business became the first major high street retailer to sell all of its coffee and hot drinks in a paper fibre cup and lid, which is 100% recyclable in household and on the go recycling, back in October.
Having initially launched in 20 stores, the cups will now be available in over 300 UK M&S stores, including M&S Cafés, vended coffee points and Marketplaces within its Foodhalls.
The roll out is expected to remove a further 20m units of plastic packaging each year from M&S’ Food business, after the company met its Plan A target to remove 75m units of plastic in 2023/24 last year.
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M&S Food director of hospitality Alicia Thompson said: “Our goal is to offer customers the most sustainable cup of coffee on the high street. A takeaway coffee they can feel good about drinking because it comes in fully recyclable cups, uses delicious 100% Fairtrade coffee beans and is made with RSPCA Assured fresh milk.
“Our customers care strongly about reducing plastic and they’ve supported our move to paper fibre cups. With no impact to the taste or temperature of their hot drink – and now 100% recyclable – this is one of the ways we’re supporting our customers to make small changes in their everyday lives, which have a big impact on the environment.”
The expansion comes after M&S introduced new recyclable paper packaging across its range of sandwiches and toasties available in M&S Cafes earlier this year, removing 4.5m units of plastic.
In January, the retail giant rolled out its ‘Refilled’ scheme to a further 19 shops, after a successful trial across six stores in 2022.
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