May 7, 2025 (Two Sides) –
As climate change continues to dominate the global agenda, UK retailers are stepping up to play their part when it comes to packaging.
From household names like Marks & Spencer to beauty giants like Boots, more and more companies are introducing eco-friendly packaging initiatives in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. With paper-based packaging often at the heart of these transitions, this growing movement marks a significant and hopeful step forward in the journey towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Marks & Spencer recently announced a major change in its fruit and vegetable packaging, replacing plastic trays with recyclable paper alternatives across more than fifty product lines. According to M&S, this switch could remove an estimated five hundred and eighty five tonnes of plastic annually from its supply chain. Not only is this better for the environment, but early trials showed a five percent increase in sales: a strong indication that customers are becoming more and more environmentally conscious in their shopping choices.
Paper-based packaging offers a number of advantages. It’s renewable, widely recyclable, and biodegradable, making it one of the most sustainable options available today. By switching to FSC-certified paper trays, M&S is sending a clear message to consumers and competitors alike that sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand.
Pharmacy and beauty retailer Boots has also joined the movement by rolling out new sustainable packaging for its own-brand products. As part of a broader strategy to reach net zero by 2040, Boots is focusing on reducing single-use plastic, encouraging refillable packaging, and introducing paper-based alternatives wherever possible.
A standout initiative is the shift to recyclable paper packaging for their popular No7 skincare range. This packaging not only reduces plastic use but also highlights Boots’ commitment to sustainable beauty—an area growing in demand as conscious consumerism gains traction.
By incorporating renewable materials like sustainably sourced paper and cardboard into their packaging strategies, Boots aligns itself with evolving customer values while taking measurable action to lower carbon emissions across its supply chain.
Supermarket giant Asda is also testing paper-based packaging solutions, particularly in its own-brand snack and cereal lines. In 2023, the company began trialling paper pouches as alternatives to traditional plastic bags, aiming to make all of its own-brand packaging either reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. These paper pouches are made from sustainably sourced materials and are easily recyclable at home—two crucial factors in reducing the volume of packaging sent to landfill. While still in the early stages, these trials point to the scalability of paper packaging in even the most everyday items.
But why does this shift matter in the fight against climate change?
For one, packaging accounts for a significant portion of carbon emissions in the retail and food industries. Traditional plastic packaging is not only derived from fossil fuels but also poses long-term environmental threats due to its persistence in ecosystems.
By contrast, paper packaging is made from renewable resources—mainly wood pulp from responsibly managed forests—and is biodegradable and recyclable. According to the Confederation of Paper Industries, paper and cardboard already make up fifty percent of packaging in the UK and have a recycling rate of over eighty percent.
These stats underscore the role that paper packaging can play in supporting a circular economy, where materials are reused and waste is minimised. As retailers adopt more sustainable packaging, the cumulative effect could significantly reduce the retail sector’s overall emissions.
Consumers are increasingly voting with their wallets. A 2023 report from Deloitte revealed that more than sixty percent of UK consumers consider a brand’s environmental impact before making a purchase. Retailers who are proactive about packaging sustainability not only reduce their carbon footprint—they also strengthen customer loyalty and trust.
Brands that adopt sustainable packaging like paper and cardboard stand to benefit from improved public perception and potential cost savings in the long term. Moreover, initiatives like Marks & Spencer’s show that sustainable packaging can drive sales: a win for both the environment, and businesses.
With extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation set to come into full effect in 2025, the pressure on retailers to switch to sustainable packaging will only increase. The EPR scheme requires producers to cover the costs of recycling the packaging they introduce to the market, further incentivising the move toward eco-friendly solutions. (Link to my EPR article from last month here perhaps, or at the end?)
It looks as though paper-based packaging is well-positioned to become a mainstay of sustainable retail strategies. Lightweight, recyclable, and often made from post-consumer waste, it ticks the boxes for both environmental impact and consumer appeal. As more companies follow the lead of M&S, Boots, and Asda, the shift toward paper packaging could become one of the most impactful steps the retail industry takes to mitigate climate change in the UK.
By embracing paper packaging, these UK retailers are not only future proofing their businesses but also beginning to take meaningful action to combat climate change, one step at a time.
Sources
https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/sustainability/plan-a-our-planet/plastics-and-packaging
https://www.boots-uk.com/environmental-social-governance/what-we-do/progressing-our-sustainable-bootprint/#ui-id-27
https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/Industries/consumer/perspectives/the-sustainable-consumer.html
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