Marks & Spencer has unveiled a beauty packaging return scheme to cut waste and boost recycling as part of its sustainability programme.
The retailer is introducing takeback boxes in 40 branches, including London’s Marble Arch and Glasgow’s Argyle Street, and expects to collect about two tonnes of used packaging in the first year of operation.
Shoppers can drop off packaging from any retailer, not just that from M&S.
The scheme, which is being run in partnership with beauty recycling specialist Handle, will mean the packaging – which consumers often find hard to recycle – avoids landfill.
Customers can return any plastic or aluminium beauty packaging, such as bottles, tubes, caps, pumps and tubs, by dropping it into dedicated boxes in M&S’ beauty section.
M&S head of ESG Carmel McQuaid said: “We’re passionate about creating simple solutions that help our customers live lower-carbon lives.
“Plastic is one of the biggest challenges facing the beauty industry and, while there is still lots more to do, we hope this scheme encourages customers to recycle their beauty empties to give them a second life and reduce the amount of packaging that goes to landfill.
“Alongside our other schemes, including [recycled clothing initiative] Shwopping and plastic takeback, it’s one of the many ways we’re driving the circular economy on our roadmap to net zero.”
To mark the scheme’s launch, M&S Sparks customers who recycle their beauty packaging will receive 10% off Beauty at M&S products until July 5 by scanning a QR code on the in-store box.
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