In 2008, M&S was one of the first major retailers in the UK to introduce a voluntary 5p charge on food carrier bags - three years before the law changed. It was very effective. M&S reduced the use of single use bags by over 70% and M&S bags are now made from 100% recycled material.
M&S customers can buy a Bag for Life, made from 100% recycled materials. M&S will replace these free of charge when they wear out and recycle customers’ old bags.
Alongside this, M&S took the decision not to use bags made from oxodegradable materials - these are materials (usually plastics) containing a chemical that helps the plastic to break down over time when it’s exposed to light, heat and moisture. These types of plastics can’t be composted or recycled easily and their long-term impact on the environment is still unknown. This type of bag also encourages people to think that single-use bags can still be used and thrown away without any consequences – which isn’t the case.