The UK firm called upon RPC Containers Llantrisant to produce the 300ml bottles for its Essential Extracts personal care range, due to the packaging company’s expertise in post-consumer recycled material.
Design meets green
"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.
As part of M&S' Plan A, its ethical and environmental plan, the retailer is committed to increasing the amount of packaging made from more sustainable raw materials such as recycled plastics.
"The 30 per cent 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," he added.
30 the optimum amount
According to RPC, the 30 per cent PCR content is the optimum amount of material that can be incorporated into the bottles whilst ensuring they continue to deliver a high quality performance.
In particular, the bottles maintain a translucent clarity which enables the products to be clearly visible, contributing to a high impact on-shelf presence, claims the packaging firm.
"The M&S Essential Extracts bottles are a further development of our capabilities in the use of PCR materials, widening its potential into new market sectors," comments Bryan Glasper, General Manager, RPC Llantrisant.
"Our technical development work is continuing to enable us to increase the percentage of PCR in our bottle ranges in the future, where it is deemed appropriate."
The M&S Essential Extracts range offers products such as handwash and hand & body lotion.