Marks & Spencer is the first UK retailer to commit to the introduction of corn-based, biodegradable PLA packaging to its stores, from US-based produce NatureWorks.
The packaging will initially be used for M&S fresh-cut fruit and salad punnets and its sandwich skillets, as part of a commitment to a ‘Responsible Packaging’ strategy. Andrew Sharp, M&S technical manager said that responsible packaging is a key element of the chain’s strategy.
“Packaging sells product,” he said. “And when you divide your packaging up into what’s recyclable and what isn’t, it is really quite shocking.”
For NatureWorks, the deal with M&S marks the end of a remarkable year of progress, which began with no major retail customers. Mary Rosenthal, global communications leader (pictured), told FPJ: “The volume of packaging we have sold is up 200 per cent, year-on-year,” she said. “We are also working with Wal-Mart and Wild Oats in the US, Delhaize in Belgium, Auchan in France and Co-op Italia. The Wal-Mart deal really made PLA mainstream - it will convert 100 million packages to our packaging.”
NatureWorks has also launched a source options programme, which allows customers to specify that the PLA resin they order is free of GM content.
