M&S is rolling out plastic-free takeaway cups across all of its cafes from next month as it looks to offer customers the “most sustainable cup of coffee on the high street”.
The move follows a successful trial of the paper fibre takeaway cups and lids across 20 M&S stores last year.
The coffee cups – which are 100% recyclable in both in household and on-the-go recycling – will now be available in over 300 M&S stores across the UK including M&S Cafés, vended coffee points and marketplaces within its foodhalls.
The cups have an organic lining which has the same protection against the liquid as plastic, but they can be recycled. Should such cups be more wisely used, it could prevent billions of cups from going to landfill or incineration.
The retailer has a target of removing one billion units of plastic from the packing of its food business.
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M&S currently offers a 50p discount on all hot drinks in its cafes for customers who bring their own reusable cup, which is the most sustainable option.
Alicia Thompson, director of hospitality at M&S Food: “Our goal is to offer customers the most sustainable cup of coffee on the high street.
“A takeaway coffee they can feel good about drinking because it comes in fully recyclable cups, uses delicious 100% Fairtrade coffee beans and is made with RSPCA-assured fresh milk.
“Our customers care strongly about reducing plastic and they’ve supported our move to paper fibre cups. With no impact to the taste or temperature of their hot drink – and now 100% recyclable – this is one of the ways we’re supporting our customers to make small changes in their everyday lives, which have a big impact on the environment.”
Earlier this year, M&S swapped plastic for recyclable paper packaging across its range of sandwiches and toasties available in all of its UK cafes.
Last year, M&S provided fresh funding for eco-conscious fashion brand Nobody’s Child.
