Marks & Spencer Builds Green Packaging into Beauty Care Line

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September 6, 2011

Marks & Spencer continues to hone its private label business with new green packaging and a series of executive appointments intended to support store brands and the continuation of its Plan A program, transforming the chain into one of the leading retailers in the area of sustainability.

M&S Essential Extracts, which include soaps, and hand & body lotion, are now merchandised in 300ml PET bottles that contain 30 percent less post-consumer recycled material (PCR).

"The right design and packaging is a key part for any personal care brand but it’s equally important for us at M&S to ensure that we can lessen the environmental impact of our packaging wherever possible in line with our Plan A commitments,” said Andrew Speck, packaging buyer at Marks & Spencer. The 30 percent PCR bottles from RPC Llantrisant meet these two key objectives, enhancing our beauty products while reducing the overall carbon footprint of the pack. They are well suited for this range of natural ingredients products.”

Marks & Spencer launched Plan A in 2007, setting 100 sustainability goals to be met by 2015. Since then, that list has expanded to 180 points that including reducing waste, using sustainable raw materials, trading ethically and helping shoppers to lead healthier lifestyles.

Separately Marks & Spencer confirmed to a U.K. investment publication that it’s shaking up its marketing team as it prepares to execute its new brand strategy outlined in November 2010. The three year plan outlined by CEO Marc Bolland includes overhauling its fashion labels, clarifying food positioning and increasing its home furnishings division and multi-channel operations under the new “Only at M&S” banner. The current changes focus largely on the retailer’s apparel business as it builds fashion lines into more substantial M&S brands, and introduce four dedicated brand managers now that the Portfolio fashion label has been incorporated into the M&S clothing brand.

Usama Al-Qassab joins M&S from Procter & Gamble; Julie Guckian and Victoria Franks both hail from Kao Brand U.K. Internally, Lucy Calver is transferring from the food marketing team at M&S. All hold the title of brand manager and report to recently appointed brand director Alison Jones.

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