Marks & Spencer brings beauty recycling scheme to 40 shops

Empty beauty product packaging can be dropped off at 40 M&S shops (M&S)
Empty beauty product packaging can be dropped off at 40 M&S shops (M&S)

Marks & Spencer is introducing a new beauty packaging recycling scheme to 40 stores, including a number of London branches.

The high street giant is partnering with Handle Recycling in an initiative it is estimated will see the latter collect over two tonnes of empty beauty packaging from participating shops within the first 12 months.

M&S said this will help hard to recycle beauty packaging materials and components that commonly end up in landfill be recycled and turned into new packaging and products.

From this month M&S customers will be able to return any form of plastic or aluminium beauty packaging, such as bottles and tubs from any retailer, into dedicated boxes within the retailer’s beauty sections.

Stores in the capital taking part include Bromley, Marble Arch, Stratford and White City.

Carmel McQuaid, head of ESG at M&S, said: “Plastic is one of the biggest challenges facing the beauty industry and whilst 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.”

Details of the partnership come in the same week M&S launched its 2023 sustainability report which outlines the progress made in the last year. ,