Marks & Spencer has launched a trial of a paper fibre alternative ready meal tray for its popular Fiery Chicken Tikka Masala.
The innovative packaging is suitable for both microwave and oven cooking, offering customers the same convenience they expect from traditional packaging.
This marks a significant milestone, as ready meals have traditionally presented a challenge for the industry, with plastic being the most resilient material for both microwave and oven cooking methods.
The FSC-certified tray is made from renewable paper fibre and is now available in stores and on Ocado.
The supermarket has launched a trial of a paper fibre alternative ready meal tray
GETTY IMAGESIt can be easily recycled at home as paper, with no need to remove the thin plastic lining.
M&S is running a limited trial of the new tray to gather customer feedback on this alternative packaging solution.
However, it has the potential to be rolled out across the retailer's entire Meal for Tonight range.
The environmentally-friendly step will remove 150,000 units of plastic, and if launched permanently, the plastic reduction could be immense.
The retailer has already met its target to remove 75 million units of plastic in 2024/25 ahead of schedule.
M&S has now reached the halfway mark of its ambitious goal, having removed 500 million units by the end of March 2025, with a commitment to remove one billion units by the end of FY27/28.
Technical director at M&S Food, Andrew Clappen, said: "Our Plan A roadmap is focused on how we can become a Net Zero business across all our operations and entire supply chain by 2040, and we're constantly looking for new ways to do things to try and take big steps along that journey.
"We know customers care about reducing the amount of plastic packaging, and we're determined to help them by finding new materials and processes to make sure our packaging is as easy to recycle as possible.
"Plan A is a key part of the incredible quality M&S is known and loved for, and this trial is another example of why our customers can trust that we're committed to doing the right thing and giving them the confidence that they can make more sustainable choices when shopping in our Foodhalls.
"I want to congratulate the team on all their hard work over the last couple of years testing and trialling different materials, and I can’t wait to hear what customers think of the new tray."
Plan A Ambassador at M&S Food, Ben Fogle, added: "M&S Food is famous for leading the way in innovation, and it’s great to see M&S launching the first to market paper fibre tray for a freshly prepped meal.
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M&S has also introduced a new dine-in meal
Instagram/M&S"Not only can it be put in both the oven and microwave, but it can also be easily recycled in paper recycling at home. Innovations like this really have the potential to make a difference and reduce plastic use."
M&S' new packaging change comes as M&S wows shoppers with "amazing" summer items.
As Britons enjoy the warmer weather and many prepare for garden BBQ season, a new "Grill" collection features chicken, prawns and sausages.
The supermarket has also introduced a new dine-in meal for just £4 per person, which is "ready in minutes".
