Marks and Spencer announces new shopping bag made from recycled plastic

Marks and Spencer have announced a new shopping bag made from recycled plastic.

The new eco-shopping bag, launching in stores on the 6th November, is made from 75 per cent Social Plastic, this is plastic waste that has not been collected or recycled by the Plastic Bank, a social enterprise seeking to stop ocean plastic pollution.

Social Plastic is different to recycled plastic because as well as being environmentally friendly it also provides a social benefit by giving impoverished communities access to a stable income, boosting local economies and making life necessities like food and water more accessible.

This announcement will help towards Marks and Spencer’s Plastic Plan which includes removing 1,000 tonnes of plastic packaging in less than a year and replacing the 75 million pieces of plastic cutlery in its stores with a wooden alternative.

Marks and Spencer have previously launched a ‘naked’ jumper, this involves removing the plastic protective covers from the cashmere jumpers that they sell. They are also working on removing plastic covers from other key products.

The eco shopping bag will cost £1.30 and will help towards poverty in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Natalie Tate, Product Developer at Marks & Spencer, said: “With more plastic than fish predicted to be in the ocean by 2050, it’s vital that we all take action to minimise plastic waste. We’re reducing the amount of plastic we use as a business and developing smart ways to help our customers reduce the amount of plastic they use.”

Photograph: Marks and Spencer