M&S has announced plans to replace plastic Bags For Life with ones made out of paper at all its stores across the UK.
We all know every British household has a classic plastic supermarket Bag For Life or two knocking around, but as of this week, M&S is taking plastic out of the equation and will be only be offering paper bags at checkouts instead.
Carrying all the benefits of plastic bags “but without the same environmental impact”, replacing the retailer’s typical ecoloop plastic bags for life, and now being sold alongside its range of durable tote bags, M&S says the new Forest Stewardship Council®-certified bags are just as “strong and robust” as shoppers have always expected from their plastic counterparts.
There’s two different types of paper Bags For Life – a more durable bag in the Food section, and “a simpler one” in the Clothing & Home, which M&S says reflects customers’ “different shopping missions”.
The new paper Food bags are “super strong”, according to M&S, and are capable of carrying over 15kg at any one time.
The two new paper Bags for Life at M&S / Credit: M&S
Both bags are water resistant, which is thanks to a natural resin applied in the manufacturing process, and they have both been independently-tested to withstand over 100 reuses, as well as being easy to fold and store away, and equally-convenient – if not more convenient – to pop straight into your home recycling bin when its worn out.
M&S has explained the reasoning behind why it feels now is “the right time” to roll paper carrier bags out at all its stores.
M&S’ Director of Corporate Affairs, Victoria McKenzie-Gould, said this is just the latest move in the retailer’s bid to introducing more new sustainable choices for customers, after it became the first supermarket to the plastic carrier bag charge back in 2008.
Other sustainable changes M&S has made over the years have included introducing a range of “large and incredibly-durable” reusable tote bags, or offering bags for life made using recycled plastic and material collected in its stores, but as McKenzie-Gould revealed, today, over 70% of M&S customers now choose to bring their own bags or don’t use one at all when shopping in store.
The outside of M&S in Manchester city centre / Credit: M&S Manchester (via Facebook)
This is why the retailer wanted to “go further” and “find a solution” which avoids plastic for those trips when shoppers do need a bag.
M&S said it wanted to come up with “the best and most sustainable paper bag possible”.
“We now have a solution that is better environmentally and which helps customers looking to make small changes to reduce their environmental footprint,” the retailer said in a statement.
“For the vast majority who already reuse their own bags, which remains the most sustainable option, not a lot will change – but on the odd occasion when we all need to reach for one more bag, we’re pleased to be offering a more sustainable option for customers.”
Featured Image – M&S
Shopping
Greggs brings back popular Vegan Steak Bake under ‘fresh’ new name
Emily Sergeant
Greggs has announced that one of its most popular bakes is making a comeback after unprecedented fan demand.
Veggies and vegans, happy Friday… this one’s for you.
As any fan of the popular bakery will tell you, the Steak Bake is an absolute staple of the Greggs menu, and is undoubtedly one of the chain’s best-sellers, meaning it’s been a mainstay in stores for years on end now… but sadly, the same couldn’t be said about the plant-based alternative.
In case you don’t quite remember its release, or didn’t get a chance to try it the first time round, the Vegan Steak Bake is exactly what it says on the tin – a vegan version of the iconic Steak Bake.
First launched to mark Veganuary – which is an annual challenge to promote and educate about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January – all the way back in 2020, the Vegan Steak Bake joined the chain’s popular, and still existing, Vegan Sausage Roll to form part of its growing meat-free lineup.
The Vegan Steak Bake was created to mirror some of the original pasty’s features, according to Greggs.
It featured thin layers of puff pastry, and a filling made with pieces of Quorn instead of beef, all mixed in with diced onions and a meat-free gravy.
While the bake seemed to be a hit with vegans, vegetarians, and those who just fancied a meat-free alternative to their day, and even made a short-lived return again in early 2024, it sadly didn’t stick around for too long.
Greggs has announced the return of the popular Vegan Steak Bake / Credit: Greggs
But now, it looks like it’s time for a Vegan Steak Bake comeback again in 2025 – and this time, it’s got a slightly new name and a ‘fresh’ look.
Greggs wrote on its website ahead of the Vegan Steak Bake return: “What’s the big deal?” you might ask. In our humble opinion, tasty steak-free pieces mixed with diced onions and a vegan-friendly gravy is the absolute biggest of deals.
“It’s vegan, it’s incredibly delicious and it’s yours from just £2.10. What more do you need?”
The Vegan Lattice (Steak-Free), as it’s now called, is apparently still ‘super tasty’, despite being named something different.
It’s available to order from all Greggs sites across the UK now.
Featured Image – Greggs
Shopping
Popeyes to give out FREE viral chicken sandwiches when it opens in Manchester Arndale next week
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is getting another new Popeyes next week, and this time it’s coming to the city’s biggest shopping centre.
New Orleans-born fried chicken restaurant, Popeyes® UK, has finally announced the launch date of its newest Manchester restaurant at Halle Place, on the Lower Ground of Manchester Arndale, making it the third location for the city and the chain’s 33rd opening in total this year.
Popeyes has become known for its round-the-block queues on opening day – with both the Manchester Piccadilly and Bury New Road launches attracting hundreds for their first bite of the legendary Chicken Sandwich.
This is why a ‘show-stopping’ launch day is planned for the new Arndale site when it opens from 11am next Friday (29 August), and there’ll be loads of giveaways for shoppers to get their teeth stuck into.
On opening day, not only the first three customers win the ultimate prize of free Chicken Sandwiches for a full year, but the first 50 customers in the queue will be treated to exclusive Popeyes UK merchandise and the first 100 people will bag themselves a free Chicken Sandwich.
With both dine-in and speedy takeaway options available, fried chicken lovers will soon be able to enjoy Popeyes favourites, like the iconic Chicken Sandwich, Hot Wings, Tenders, and Signature Chicken Wraps, when it opens at the Arndale.
All of Popeyes’ chicken is marinated for 12 hours in its signature blend of bold Louisiana seasoning, before it’s hand-breaded and battered to deliver that famous ‘shatter-crunch’.
Popeyes is opening its third Manchester site in the Arndale next week / Credit: The Manc Group
The new Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich will also be available from opening day, following huge demand from fans for its return to the menu.
The Sandwich is joined by the return of the bigger-than-ever Hot Honey range, featuring the brand-new Hot Honey Saucin’ Boneless, the comeback of Hot Honey Saucin’ Wings, and the Hot Honey Box Meal.
“The response to our first two Manchester restaurants has been incredible, and we’re sure our new Arndale location will be just as popular,” commented Tom Crowley, who is the Popeyes UK CEO, ahead of next week’s opening.
“The new opening marks an exciting step in our growth across the city, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests to experience the spirit of New Orleans.”
To be in with a chance of chomping down on a legendary Popeyes Chicken Sandwich for free of charge, you’ll want to make sure you’re one of the first 100 in the queue on Arndale launch day.
Popeyes opens its third Manchester site at Manchester Arndale next Friday 29 August at 11am.
Emily Sergeant -
19th September 2023 
