Marks & Spencer has shifted to paper packaging for its men’s essentials line, a move expected to eliminate 5.5 million plastic units from its Clothing & Home operations over the next year.
The retailer has replaced plastic with recyclable, FSC-certified paper across its men’s socks, woven pyjamas, and nearly 40% of its men’s underwear range. The updated packaging also features paper hooks to simplify recycling at home.
“This one small change to our men’s essentials range will make a huge difference by removing over 5 million units of plastic from our supply chain,” said Katharine Beacham, Head of Sustainability for Clothing & Home at M&S.
The transition builds on M&S’s 2023 trial phase, when the company introduced paper-based packaging for winter accessories such as hats and gloves, which led to the removal of over 4 million plastic units.
M&S reports that one in five men in the UK purchase their underwear and nightwear from the brand. With 20 million pairs of men’s socks sold each year, the packaging change marks a significant shift in material use.
The company plans to expand recyclable packaging to more items in its men’s essentials line in 2025, pending trial outcomes. If successful, the initiative could eliminate an additional 3.5 million plastic units.
This shift aligns with M&S’s Plan A sustainability roadmap, which targets net zero emissions by 2040.