M&S trials sustainable ready meal packaging innovation

Credit: M&S

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a UK-first trial of paper fibre packaging for ready meals, replacing plastic trays with a recyclable alternative on its popular Fiery Chicken Tikka Masala. The initiative, in partnership with 2SFG and GPI and rolled out today in stores and via Ocado, marks a significant move towards more sustainable food packaging solutions.

The new tray, made from FSC-certified renewable paper fibre, can be heated in both the oven and microwave, maintaining the convenience of plastic without the environmental cost. Unlike typical composite packaging, this version can be recycled at home with paper waste, as there is no need to separate the thin plastic lining.

Step forward

M&S is trialling the packaging in limited quantities to gauge customer feedback before wider implementation. The company sees this development as a step forward in tackling one of the industry’s most complex packaging challenges: producing dual-ovenable ready meal trays that are both functional and eco-friendly.

Andrew Clappen, Technical Director at M&S Food, said: “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.”

He added, “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.”

The development follows M&S’s milestone of removing 75 million plastic units in 2024/25 — delivered ahead of schedule. The retailer is now halfway toward its next target of eliminating one billion units of plastic packaging by the end of financial year 2027/28.

Ben Fogle, M&S Plan A Ambassador, praised the innovation:

M&S Food is famous for leading the way in innovation, and it’s great to see M&S launching the first to market paper fibre tray for a freshly prepped meal. Not only can it be put in both the oven and microwave, it can also be easily recycled in paper recycling at home.”