M&S to stop displaying underwear on plastic hangers

Source: Mintel 05-08-2022

M&S is to stop displaying its bras and underwear on plastic hangers in a bid to cut down on plastic waste. The retailer is exploring other alternatives including displaying underwear on tables and removing plastic hangers from online orders.

The retailer said: “As we work towards our goal of becoming a zero-waste business by 2025, we are actively looking at ways to remove hangers before sending online orders to our customers and have a number of trials ongoing.”

“While this move by M&S may seem small, such moves are important and many smaller moves like this can collectively push the fashion sector to the more sustainable future that consumers are demanding. Indeed as highlighted in Mintel’s upcoming Fashion & Sustainability – UK, 2022Report, 57% of consumers say sustainability is important to them when purchasing fashion and 28% selected sustainable packaging options in their top three factors which define what a sustainable fashion retailer/brand is. For a business of the scale of M&S such changes can create meaningful change, and serve to build trust with consumers that the business is truly committed to its sustainability goals.”