Marks & Spencer has partnered with artist and former M&S Moorgate worker Yinka Ilori to launch the most “stylish and durable carrier bag to date”.

M&S Yinka Ilori

The new M&S carrier bag is made from 100% recycled plastic and an additional design is expected later in the year

The London-based creative has reunited with the retailer to “transform carrier bags into a style must”, and has unveiled a new design inspired by his memories of working for the company.

The new carrier bag is made from 100% recycled plastic, and the launch of a second bag in the collection is anticipated later this year.

Food marketing director Sharry Cramond said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be working with Yinka and welcome him back into the M&S family. I know our customers are absolutely loving the new design already – since the bag launched across our Foodhalls on Monday morning we’ve sold over 10,000. Not only is the new bag more colourful and more joyful – it’s also more durable.

“We all need to reuse more and although 80% of our customers already bring their own bags when shopping with us, we know how easy it is to forget. For those that do, our new Yinka-Ilori-designed carrier bag offers a more durable, long-term option with a pattern you can’t miss, that everyone will want to be seen with. Keep your eyes peeled for the second bag later this year.”

Ilori said of the partnership: “I have great memories of my time at M&S while trying to set up my own studio. To be starting a new partnership with such a British icon feels a bit like coming home.

“My artworks are all about evoking joy and optimism through bold colours – even a carrier bag can do that! If something makes you smile, you’ll want to keep using it again and again. Hopefully these colours and patterns will bring a bit of joy to people’s day and inspire them to keep dreaming and keep reusing them.”