Marks & Spencer is piloting an alternative ready meal tray, which could potentially allow a significant reduction in the use of plastic.
Marks & Spencer has introduced a “renewable paper fibre” tray for its Fiery Hot Chicken Tikka Masala.
It can be cooked in a microwave or regular oven, and the tray can then be recycled as paper at home.
The initiative will enable the removal of 150,000 units of plastic and could potentially be used across M&S’ entire Meal for Tonight range.
The is being tested as a limited run in order to gather customer feedback, but M&S said such innovations “offer a glimpse into the future with alternative packaging options even on challenging products like meals”.
Ready meals have been a challenge as grocers have ramped up sustainability strategies, because plastic has proved so useful for both methods of cooking.
M&S Food technical director Andrew Clappen said: “Our Plan A roadmap is focused on how we can become a net-zero business across all our operations and entire supply chain by 2040, and we’re constantly looking for new ways to do things to try and take big steps along that journey.
“We know customers care about reducing the amount of plastic packaging, and we’re determined to help them by finding new materials and processes to make sure our packaging is as easy to recycle as possible.
“This trial is another example of why our customers can trust that we’re committed to doing the right thing and giving them the confidence that they can make more sustainable choices when shopping in our foodhalls.”
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