China International Exhibition on Packaging Machinery & Materials (Sino-Pack 2026)

In a major sustainability move, British retail giant M&S has partnered with 2SFG and GPI to develop an innovative food tray that can be recycled as paper without removing its thin plastic lining. The FSC-certified tray is now available in select stores and via Ocado as part of a limited trial to gather consumer feedback.

Packaging Breakthrough: Seamless Paper-Plastic Integration
Andrew Clappen, M&S Food Technical Director, emphasized this tray solves a key recycling pain point: "Our R&D team spent two years perfecting a design that maintains food quality while eliminating the need to separate materials before recycling." The development supports M&S's ambitious Plan A commitment to achieve net zero across its entire supply chain by 2040.

Sustainability Strategy: Testing the Future of Retail Packaging
This pilot program reflects three strategic priorities:

• Circular Economy - Aligns with EU Single-Use Plastics Directive requirements
• Green Supply Chain - Partners with sustainable packaging specialists 2SFG/GPI
• Consumer Trust - Enhances ESG credentials through transparent recycling

Industry analysts note such "easy-recycle hybrid materials" are becoming essential as the UK Plastic Packaging Tax takes effect. M&S's initiative positions it as a leader in sustainable retail, likely prompting competitors like Tesco to accelerate their own eco-packaging programs.

Source: PackagingNews